Probably one of the more interesting and unexpected details of the massive six-team trade earlier in the month was D'Angelo Russell ending up in Memphis. Despite being owed just $5.9 million for this season, the Wizards attached multiple second-round picks to move him to Memphis as a part of the deal. However, the Grizzlies still have a backcourt logjam, and a recent report suggests Russell won't play a game in Memphis.
Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reported earlier that the Grizzlies and D'Angelo Russell are expected to part ways this offseason, whether it's a trade or buyout.
The Memphis Grizzlies and veteran guard D’Angelo Russell are expected to work towards parting ways — either via buyout or trade — this offseason, sources tell @YahooSports. https://t.co/oLGlFcYA4R
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 23, 2026
The backcourt will now likely be less crowded
While there was some debate about whether or not Russell would play in Memphis next season, I felt that it was more likely he wouldn't be part of the team. The Grizzlies already had a preexisting logjam of guards, and it felt difficult to project a legitimate rotation role for Russell.
D'Angelo Russell brings plenty of experience and is still a capable scorer and playmaker. Unfortunately, Russell has shown a decline in offensive efficiency, especially as a perimeter shooter. Players such as Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Cam Spencer are already capable shooters, making it even more difficult to see how Russell would be a strong fit for Tuomas Iisalo's offense.
Another factor to consider is that the Grizzlies are early in their rebuild, and it will be useful to see what they have with multiple young guards on the roster. Javon Small, who is currently on a two-way contract, has shown some promising ability as a perimeter shooter and could potentially make a significant leap as an all-around guard.
Walter Clayton Jr. was acquired as a part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade and struggled after arriving in Memphis. But it is also important to consider he was a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, similar to his teammate Cedric Coward. It is hard to envision Zach Kleiman moving on so soon from one of the central pieces of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, and Clayton Jr. is very early into his career.
Whether D'Angelo Russell ends up getting traded or reaches a buyout, he should still likely be able to find another home throughout the league. However, when considering the Grizzlies' current situation in the backcourt, it feels like figuring out the logjam gets a little bit easier without Russell in the equation.
The Grizzlies still have some work to do to consolidate the roster before the season, but one of the likely first dominos to fall in the roster crunch is that Russell won't be in Memphis. D'Angelo Russell being traded or bought out is a major step towards helping the Grizzlies clear a crowded backcourt.
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