D’Angelo Russell might potentially be returning to the Eastern Conference.
The former NBA All-Star guard Russell was officially waived by the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The move now paves the way for Russell to join another team before the start of the season.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel subsequently reported on Friday that Russell could potentially be a fit for the Miami Heat. Winderman notes that the Heat have some roster and cap flexibility to possibly add a buyout veteran.
Russell, 30, averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists per game last season for the Dallas Mavericks. He was traded to the Washington Wizards in February as part of the Anthony Davis blockbuster but did not report to the team.
The former No. 2 overall pick Russell was then traded again by the Wizards to the Grizzlies in July but was simply contract fodder in that deal. Now the rebuilding Grizzlies are parting ways with Russell, allowing him to potentially sign with a contender.
Miami fits that billing as a team that recently made a huge splash by trading for former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. With a need for spacing around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, the Heat already managed to add sharpshooters Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason. Now Russell might just be the third former Maverick to land in South Beach as a player who can create his own shot off the bench (albeit with some notable baggage as part of the deal).
