D'Angelo Russell Waived by Grizzlies, Top Landing Spots for PG in NBA Free Agency

D'Angelo Russell's time with the Memphis Grizzlies has come to an end before it ever really began.

Russell will become a free agent after being waived by the Grizzlies going into the start of training camp next week. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the move.

Assuming Russell wants to land with a team that has aspirations of being a playoff contender, potential destinations like the Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets have a need for depth in their backcourt.

The Heat are the most obvious potential destination for Russell. Their current point guard depth chart features Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, Ryan Conwell and Tre Donaldson.

Mitchell is the only true point guard from that group, though Giannis Antetokounmpo figures to get plenty of run as the primary ballhandler for head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Given the injury issues Antetokounmpo had last season, the Heat may not want to put a lot on his plate too early in the season. Russell could slot in as the backup for Mitchell in Miami.

Charlotte recently added to its point guard rotation by acquiring Dennis Schröder from the Cleveland Cavaliers, so someone like Russell may not slot in with its current roster if the organization is confident in Coby White staying healthy.

White is penciled in as the Hornets' starting point guard, but he missed 32 games last season due to calf and groin injuries. Russell could provide depth at least through training camp as the coaching staff sees what the new-look roster after trading LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges looks like.

Last but not least, the Nuggets can use as much as depth at a low cost as they can get right now. Ownership was roundly criticized for seemingly prioritizing money over on-court success after sending Peyton Watson to the Cavs in a sign-and-trade deal last month.

Denver's starting five remains strong, particularly with Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon as the top three. Gordon's health and a potential bounce-back year from Christian Braun are crucial to how high the ceiling will be for the Nuggets.

Beyond that group, though, the Nuggets' depth falls off in a hurry. Tyus Jones, DeMar DeRozan and Marvin Bagley III will be counted on to play significant roles.

Denver's backup to Murray is a huge question mark right now. Jones, who at one point was regarded as the best backup point guard in the NBA, averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 assists per game in 48 appearances last season.

Russell is not that far removed from being an effective starter. He averaged 18.0 points on 41.5 percent three-point shooting and 6.3 assists per game in 76 appearances for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023-24.

Things have fallen off for Russell in recent years, but the right situation could help him get back to being a starting-caliber player for a team that needs depth with the start of the regular season rapidly approaching on Oct. 20.