The former Nets guard will be a key piece to fill in for Kyrie Irving, who will miss the first chunk of the season due to ACL recovery.
DALLAS — Mavs fans, D’Lo is coming to Dallas.
The Mavericks announced Sunday that the franchise officially signed free agent point guard D’Angelo Russell to the roster.
The team did not disclose the terms of the deal, but NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Russell will be on a two-year, $13 million contract.
Russell has been somewhat of an NBA journeyman. He started his career with the Lakers before taking his talents to Brooklyn, where he was named an All-Star in the 2018-19 season. Since, Russell has been mostly at the whims of the NBA trade apparatus. Though he’s only suited up for four teams, he’s had two separate stints with both the Nets and Lakers.
Through his professional and college careers, he’s only ever worn two jersey numbers: 0 and 1. Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy wear both of those numbers, respectively, so Russell will don number 5 for the first time.
The Mavs were in desperate need of a starting-caliber point guard — a point emphasized last week by GM Nico Harrison — as Kyrie Irving continues to nurse an ACL injury. Russell will be a viable option for that starting spot in Irving’s stead.
Now entering his 11th season in the NBA, Russell’s salary did take a significant dip with the Mavs signing. The former Net is coming off a two-year, $36 million contract, nearly double his reported Dallas deal.
However, this past season was also Russell’s least productive for scoring in his professional career, averaging just 12.6 points in 25.5 minutes played per game.
The Mavs have had an active off-season so far, including drafting Cooper Flagg, re-signing Daniel Gafford and working out a long-term deal with Kyrie Irving. Once Irving returns from injury, Russell will likely move to the bench.