D’Angelo Russell is officially headed to free agency after the Memphis Grizzlies waived the veteran guard Friday, less than a week before NBA training camps begin.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the move, which had been expected throughout the offseason as Memphis continued to sort through its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
“The Memphis Grizzlies have waived D’Angelo Russell, sources tell ESPN. With Memphis needing to trim its roster, this frees Russell up to potentially land somewhere before the start of the season,” Charania reported.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel also noted before the move that Russell was expected to eventually become available and had his sights set on joining a team positioned to compete for the playoffs.
“It shouldn't shock anyone that the Grizzlies waived D'Angelo Russell, who was destined to hit waivers since the moment he was traded to Memphis this offseason.
“Russell, sources said, wants to join a playoff-contending team.”
The Grizzlies' decision ends Russell's brief tenure with the organization without him appearing in a game for Memphis. The 30-year-old guard landed with the Grizzlies in July as part of a six-team trade involving the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.
D’Angelo Russell’s Grizzlies exit was expected ahead of 2026-27 season
Russell's eventual departure had been anticipated well before Friday. Yahoo Sports reporter Kelly Iko reported earlier in the offseason that Memphis and Russell were expected to work toward separating through either a trade or buyout.
Article Continues Below“The Memphis Grizzlies and veteran guard D’Angelo Russell are expected to work towards parting ways — either via buyout or trade — this offseason,” Iko reported.
Russell now gets the opportunity to find a new team after spending the 2025-26 season with the Mavericks. He appeared in 26 games, including three starts, and averaged 10.2 points, 4.0 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. He shot 40.5% from the field and a career-low 29.5% from 3-point range.
His move to Memphis came as part of one of the offseason's largest transactions. The Grizzlies acquired Russell from Washington along with Isaiah Stewart from Detroit and AJ Johnson from Dallas. Memphis also received a top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick, multiple future second-round picks and a future second-round pick swap.
As part of the deal, Memphis sent Santi Aldama and the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic to Dallas while sending three future second-round picks to Detroit. The transaction allowed the Grizzlies to reshape their roster and add additional draft capital heading into the upcoming season.
Russell will now hit the open market shortly before the start of training camp as he searches for another opportunity. A former All-Star who has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Mavericks during his NBA career, Russell could provide an interested team with another experienced ball-handler and perimeter scoring option.
With his exit from Memphis now official, Russell will have a chance to pursue his reported preference of joining a playoff contender before the 2026-27 season begins.