D'Angelo Russell, Mavs Reportedly Expected to Land 2-Year, $12M Contract in NBA FA

The Dallas Mavericks may look to D'Angelo Russell to shore up the point guard position with Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Monday the Mavs and Russell are "widely expected" to come to terms on a two-year, $12 million deal.

"Word is that the Mavericks, though, have not abandoned hope of creating roster room for re-signing Dante Exum even if they seal their anticipated deal with the Brooklyn free agent," the report said.

Dallas has already struck a reported deal with Irving worth $119 million over three years, so the nine-time All-Star isn't going anywhere. The timing of his ACL tear in March means he's going to miss at least a large chunk of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The franchise can't afford to punt this year when Anthony Davis is into his 30s, so it's important to find a stopgap who can replace Irving without muddying the waters too much when he's healthy.

Signing Russell would accomplish that goal. He's a proven scorer and playmaker who averaged 12.6 points and 5.1 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets this past season.

The 29-year-old's value to a contending team has come into question because of his shooting struggles and poor defense in the playoffs.

Given their limited salary cap space, the Mavs don't have a lot of options, and the point guard market is thin enough as is in free agency. If it's not Russell, then you're looking at Russell Westbrook, Tyus Jones, Chris Paul or Dennis Schröder as the temporary backcourt solution.

All things considered, general manager Nico Harrison will have a hard time doing better than D'Lo.