D’Angelo Russell’s Time in Dallas Nears an End - But Could a Fresh Start Unlock His Value Again?
It’s been a season of searching for answers in Dallas. Sitting at 17-26 and 12th in the Western Conference, the Mavericks are in that gray zone - not quite out of the playoff hunt, but far from secure.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the front office is prioritizing flexibility over splashy moves. And one name quietly inching toward the trade block is D’Angelo Russell.
Once considered a potential stabilizer for the Mavericks’ offense, Russell has seen his role evaporate. He hasn’t logged 20 minutes in a game since mid-November.
He’s been a healthy scratch in eight of the last nine contests. And though he missed a recent win over Utah due to illness, the writing’s been on the wall for weeks.
Scouts around the league have taken notice - not just of the minutes, but of the body language. One Western Conference scout summed it up simply: “It’s obvious [Russell] needs a fresh start.”
The numbers back that up. In 26 appearances this season, Russell is averaging 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists - solid on paper, but a far cry from the impact Dallas hoped for.
His bread-and-butter pick-and-roll game hasn’t translated within the Mavericks’ current system, and the team isn’t in a position to command much in return. At this point, any trade is more about clearing the deck than chasing upside.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no market. For the right team - one looking for low-risk depth or a reclamation project - Russell could still offer value. Let’s break down three potential landing spots.
Miami Heat: A Familiar Type of Bet
At 22-20 and sitting ninth in the East, the Heat are doing what they always do - staying competitive, even without elite point guard play. Davion Mitchell has stepped up, but he’s not a traditional floor general. That’s where Russell could come in.
Miami plays fast - leading the league with a 104.68 pace - while Russell prefers a more deliberate, pick-and-roll-heavy style. That contrast might seem like a mismatch at first glance, but it could actually be a tactical advantage.
In tight, late-game situations, the Heat have often thrived by slowing things down and grinding out possessions. Russell wouldn’t need to be a focal point - just a change-of-pace option who can run an offense for stretches.
And if there’s any organization that knows how to get the most out of castoffs and underperformers, it’s Miami. Their developmental system is built for this kind of low-risk, high-reward move. If Russell buys in, the Heat could provide the structure and role clarity he’s been missing.
Minnesota Timberwolves: A Reunion That Makes Sense
A return to Minnesota might raise some eyebrows, but it actually checks a lot of boxes. The Timberwolves are 27-16 and holding strong near the top of the West, but they’ve been managing point guard minutes carefully.
Mike Conley remains steady, but at 36, his minutes are being monitored. Donte DiVincenzo has filled in admirably but isn’t a natural facilitator.
Russell wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense - just to contribute as part of a committee. In a platoon setup, he could help stabilize second units, take some pressure off Conley, and give the Wolves another ball-handler for matchup flexibility.
Given his current market value, Minnesota wouldn’t have to give up much. For a team with real playoff aspirations, it’s the kind of calculated risk that could pay off - and if it doesn’t, the cost is minimal.
Houston Rockets: Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Experience
The Rockets are one of the more intriguing teams heading into the deadline. At 24-15 and fifth in the West, they’ve outperformed expectations - but they’re still figuring out who they are. Injuries have forced Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard into larger roles, and with Kevin Durant now in the mix, Houston is navigating the tension between development and winning now.
Enter Russell.
He wouldn’t be brought in to take minutes from the young core. Instead, he’d be there to challenge Aaron Holiday for backup duties and provide a steady hand with the second unit.
If he can outperform Holiday, great - the Rockets get a veteran ball-handler who can organize the offense. If not, they move on with little lost.
For a team still shaping its identity, Russell offers a low-cost way to add experience without derailing the developmental track.
The Final Word: A Mutual Need for Closure
Russell’s time in Dallas hasn’t gone the way anyone hoped. He came in with the potential to be a stabilizer, but the fit never clicked. Now, both sides are staring down a trade deadline that offers a chance to reset.
For Dallas, it’s about clearing the logjam, simplifying the rotation, and creating optionality moving forward. For Russell, it’s about finding a situation where his skill set still holds value - even if it’s in a smaller, more specialized role.
Sometimes, the best move isn’t about winning the trade. It’s about giving a player - and a franchise - the clean slate they both need.