Per Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, D’Angelo Russell, a former All-Star who was recently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, is expected to be on the move via 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
Though there aren’t any teams reportedly interested, the LA Clippers should be. Off the rip, Russell is a great scorer who can contribute off the bench. But, much deeper than that, he has an excellent level of experience, which could help tremendously in preparing Keaton Wagler for the foreseeable future.
Ultimately, Russell brings the best of both worlds. The best part? He might easily take the veteran minimum, if bought out, to be a part of a great situation in a thriving, youth-centered culture where he can actually help in ways on and off the court.
Russell would help the Clippers in ways not many on the market can
Most successful guards in the NBA had a veteran mentor showing them the ropes within their first few seasons. Take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for example. In his first year with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander had a legend in Chris Paul guiding him through the ins and outs of the game. Now, he’s put together a Hall of Fame resume at the age of 28.
So, for Wagler to really reach his peak, he needs someone experienced by his side every step of the way. And, at the moment, D’Angelo Russell seems to be the perfect man for the job.
Russell has been in the league for over a decade, played on five different teams, and flourished in a range of roles, from being expected to perform as a first option to contributing where he can, offensively, off the bench.
Having someone like Russell in the building is the added benefit to how good of a basketball player he is in his early 30s.
Granted, Russell does have flaws on the defensive side of the ball. However, he’s someone who can effectively apply pressure on the rim, get to his spots in the mid-range, and get buckets from beyond the arc.
This is the type of scorer the Clippers need off the bench, especially if they do not plan on keeping Bennedict Mathurin around.
That said, Russell should be evaluated as a potential fit beyond what he can produce. He brings so much more to the table, and it’s what the Clippers need, as Wagler’s development is of a massive priority.
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