Dallas Mavericks sign Former 2nd pick Russell to Address Backup Point Guard Spot

The Mavericks needed to get a veteran ball handler to handle the load until Kyrie Irving comes back, and on the first day of free agency, they got that done. The Mavericks agreed to terms with D’Angelo Russell on a two-year $13 million contract with a player option in the second season, according to Shams Charania. This is a huge move for the Mavericks as they get the point guard who will hold the ship until Kyrie Irving returns from the ACL injury. Here’s what Russell brings to the Mavericks. 

D’Angelo Russell’s Stats

In 2024-25, Russell averaged 12.6 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, and 5.1 assists per game last season. DLo had a bad shooting season, however, with 39% shooting from the field, and 31% three-point shooting, so if the Mavericks want to be relevant in a strong Western Conference, Russell is going to have to improve his shooting percentages and take smarter shots especially when he’s probably going to be the third option for the first half of the season. 

The Mavericks are relying on Russell to make a huge impact in the early season for their aspirations and goals to be met, of being viable contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The likelihood of that happening consistently might be a tough thing to ask based on his career up to this point. 

Final Thoughts

DLo is an interesting addition to the Kyrie, AD, Flagg core for the time being and will be required to play at his early Brooklyn level for the first few months of the season until Kyrie returns. We shall see how he looks in the first few months of the season, because the Mavericks are using the mid-level exception to sign him, which is a key exception. For more NBA Free Agency News, stay locked in to Total Apex Sports.