TITLE: Grizzlies, D’Angelo Russell Expected to Explore Buyout or Trade
SLUG: grizzlies-dangelo-russell-buyout-or-trade
CONTENT:
The Memphis Grizzlies and veteran guard D’Angelo Russell are expected to work toward either a trade or a contract buyout during the offseason, according to a report by Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.
Russell, 30, arrived in Memphis earlier this month as part of a six-team deal. League sources described his inclusion in that transaction as primarily salary matching rather than a piece of the Grizzlies’ long-term plans.
Memphis is prioritizing a youth movement, creating an awkward roster fit for the former All-Star. If the front office cannot locate a trade partner before training camp, a buyout is viewed as the most likely alternative.
Russell exercised his $5.97 million player option at the start of the summer, making him the first NBA player to do so this offseason. While the salary is modest by league standards, it could still complicate trade negotiations.
The guard is coming off a challenging year. After signing with Dallas last summer, he averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists across 26 games while struggling to secure a consistent role. He was later shipped to Washington in the blockbuster that sent Anthony Davis to the Wizards but never reported, sitting out the remainder of the season.
With Memphis unlikely to provide significant playing time, Russell may be on the move again before appearing in a single game for the Grizzlies.
Source: Hoops Wire
