D’Angelo Russell is headed to Memphis, and he wasted no time making sure everybody heard his message.
After being sent to the Grizzlies in a blockbuster six-team trade, the former All-Star jumped on social media and fired off a blunt line that summed up his outlook on the move: “No matter where you send me, I’m still dangerous.”
That confidence has followed Russell into his 12th NBA season, even as his career has bounced around from team to team. He started the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, got traded to the Brooklyn Nets, then signed with the Dallas Mavericks to open last season before being dealt to the Washington Wizards, where he was waiting for a buyout.
Now he lands in Memphis after another major trade. That makes five different teams in three years.
Russell’s belief in himself is easy to understand when you look back at the peaks. In 2018-19, he earned his only All-Star nod after putting up 21.1 points and 7.0 assists while helping Brooklyn reach the playoffs. More recently, in 2023-24, he averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists and hit 41.5% of his threes, a stretch that made him look like one of the league’s better veteran guards.
The last two seasons, though, have told a different story. Russell’s numbers slid to 11.4 points and 4.8 assists, and his shooting dipped to 39.4% from the field and 30.9% from three. Around the league, the sense has been that his best basketball is behind him.
Memphis is betting there may still be something left to tap into. The Grizzlies are moving into a new phase after the departure of Ja Morant and have shifted toward building around Cameron Boozer. That puts a premium on experienced players who can steady the transition.
Russell could fit that need. Memphis has intriguing frontcourt pieces in Zach Edey, Isaiah Stewart, Queitin Post, and Jerami Grant, but the backcourt is short on proven production. Scotty Pippen Jr. has shown promise, though he looks better suited to a reserve job, which could open the door for Russell to reclaim a starting role.
The question now is whether Memphis gets the version of Russell who once made an All-Star team and helped push teams into the playoffs, or the one that has shown up over the past two seasons. The Grizzlies will be hoping for the former.
Russell, for his part, has already made his position clear. He still thinks he’s dangerous.
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