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The Memphis Grizzlies are acquiring former All-Star guard D'Angelo Russell as part of a six-team trade, according to ESPN. Memphis is getting a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap in the deal.
This trade also involves previously reported Grizzlies deals involving Isaiah Stewart and AJ Johnson landing in Memphis from the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks, respectively. Memphis is trading Santi Aldama to the Mavericks to land Johnson.
These acquisitions add to the roster logjam Memphis is already navigating. NBA teams are allowed to carry up to 21 players under contract ahead of the 2026-27 season. That number equals up to 18 standard contracts and three two-way deals for Memphis.
Factoring in Stewart, Johnson and Russell, Memphis now has 17 players on standard contracts. Rookie first-round picks Cam Boozer and Karim Lopez remain unsigned. No. 32 overall pick Richie Saunders is also unsigned.
Russell, 30, was named an All-Star in 2019 with the Brooklyn Nets. He's spent time with five teams in his 11-year career. In 26 games with the Mavs last season, Russell averaged 10.2 points and four assists.
Memphis already has a crowded point guard position. Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. have received strong reviews from the coaching staff, and Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman stated after the draft that he wants to see the young group of point guards get more of an opportunity. That includes Javon Small, Jahmai Mashack and Walter Clayton Jr.
The Russell trade is the latest example of the Grizzlies prioritizing stockpiling assets and future draft capital. Memphis traded down from No. 16 to No. 21 before eventually coming away with Stewart and two second-round picks.
In the Aldama for Johnson deal, Memphis received a protected 2030 first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors and two future second-round picks. Now Memphis gets another second-round pick in the deal.
Memphis also gets to keep its massive $28.9 million traded player exception. The TPE was gained from the Feb. 3 trade that resulted in Jaren Jackson Jr. going to the Utah Jazz. Memphis can take on Stewart's $15 million salary in the bigger deal and part ways with Aldama's $17 million without touching the TPE.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies acquire former All-Star D'Angelo Russell in six-team trade, per report
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This trade also involves previously reported Grizzlies deals involving Isaiah Stewart and AJ Johnson landing in Memphis from the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks, respectively. Memphis is trading Santi Aldama to the Mavericks to land Johnson.
Grizzlies roster update
These acquisitions add to the roster logjam Memphis is already navigating. NBA teams are allowed to carry up to 21 players under contract ahead of the 2026-27 season. That number equals up to 18 standard contracts and three two-way deals for Memphis.
Factoring in Stewart, Johnson and Russell, Memphis now has 17 players on standard contracts. Rookie first-round picks Cam Boozer and Karim Lopez remain unsigned. No. 32 overall pick Richie Saunders is also unsigned.
D'Angelo Russell stats
Russell, 30, was named an All-Star in 2019 with the Brooklyn Nets. He's spent time with five teams in his 11-year career. In 26 games with the Mavs last season, Russell averaged 10.2 points and four assists.
Memphis already has a crowded point guard position. Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. have received strong reviews from the coaching staff, and Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman stated after the draft that he wants to see the young group of point guards get more of an opportunity. That includes Javon Small, Jahmai Mashack and Walter Clayton Jr.
Stockpiling assets
The Russell trade is the latest example of the Grizzlies prioritizing stockpiling assets and future draft capital. Memphis traded down from No. 16 to No. 21 before eventually coming away with Stewart and two second-round picks.
In the Aldama for Johnson deal, Memphis received a protected 2030 first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors and two future second-round picks. Now Memphis gets another second-round pick in the deal.
Memphis also gets to keep its massive $28.9 million traded player exception. The TPE was gained from the Feb. 3 trade that resulted in Jaren Jackson Jr. going to the Utah Jazz. Memphis can take on Stewart's $15 million salary in the bigger deal and part ways with Aldama's $17 million without touching the TPE.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies acquire former All-Star D'Angelo Russell in six-team trade, per report
Continue reading...
