D’Angelo Russell’s Role Shrinking Fast in Dallas as Mavs Youth Movement Gains Steam
The Dallas Mavericks made a calculated move this past offseason when they brought in veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell. With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL, the team needed someone who could step in and help stabilize the backcourt. But as we near the midway point of the season, it’s becoming increasingly clear: Russell’s time in Dallas may be more of a short-term patch than a long-term fit.
Russell has had his moments-he always does. He’s the kind of player who can catch fire and swing a quarter, even a game, with a few quick buckets.
But those stretches have been few and far between in a Mavericks uniform. The consistency just hasn’t been there, and his fit alongside Luka Dončić has looked shaky at best.
Through it all, his minutes have been trending in the wrong direction, and it’s hard to ignore what that says about his place in the rotation.
The Mavericks have been linked to trade rumors involving names like Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Klay Thompson. While those are big swings, it’s Russell’s name that keeps popping up as a likely trade chip. And with his playing time dipping below 20 minutes per game, the writing may already be on the wall.
Russell’s Role Diminishing as Youth Steps Up
Jason Kidd’s rotations have made one thing clear: if you’re not producing, you’re not playing. And right now, Russell finds himself on the outside looking in.
Rookie Ryan Nembhard has come in and made the most of his opportunity, showing poise beyond his years and earning the trust of the coaching staff. There’s a real sense that the Mavericks are ready to commit to him long-term, and that’s not just talk-his minutes and impact reflect it.
Before the season started, Russell was seen as a bridge-someone who could hold the fort while Cooper Flagg adjusted to the NBA game and the backcourt found its rhythm without Irving. But Nembhard has accelerated that timeline. He’s taken that role and run with it, and now Russell is playing catch-up.
To his credit, Russell still brings some things to the table-size, experience, and the ability to defend multiple positions. But even with those tools, the Mavs’ growing backcourt depth is making it tough for him to carve out meaningful minutes.
Brandon Williams’ Emergence Adds to the Pressure
Another wrinkle in this story is the rise of Brandon Williams. Once pegged as a third-string option, Williams has played his way into real consideration for a starting role.
He’s been aggressive, confident, and efficient-everything the Mavericks need from their guard rotation right now. His emergence has only made the backcourt picture more crowded, and Russell is the one feeling the squeeze.
It’s not just about who’s playing well-it’s about who fits the team’s long-term vision. And right now, Williams and Nembhard are checking all the boxes.
That leaves Russell in a tough spot, especially with Irving’s return on the horizon. Even if Kyrie isn’t at full strength when he comes back, the rotation is going to tighten, and there may not be room for Russell to work his way back in.
Trade Deadline Looms Large
With the trade deadline approaching, the Mavericks have a decision to make. Russell still has value as a veteran guard with playoff experience, and there are teams out there who could use a player like him. But in Dallas, the trajectory is clear: the youth movement is here, and it’s gaining momentum fast.
Front office leaders Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley have to weigh whether holding onto Russell makes sense when his role is already diminished. The team is thriving with its younger guards, and once Irving returns, the rotation could be set for the stretch run.
Russell may not have been brought in to be a long-term solution, but even as a stopgap, his impact has been limited. If Dallas is serious about making a move before the deadline, Russell could be the first domino to fall.
The Mavericks aren’t in crisis-they’re evolving. And right now, that evolution doesn’t seem to include D’Angelo Russell.