Grizzlies cut D'Angelo Russell, with roster trimming to go

The veteran guard wanted to join a contender

Dec 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell (5) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After trading the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, it is now official that the Memphis Grizzlies will not be replacing him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

Ja Morant is gone, of course -- dealt to Portland -- and now so is D'Angelo Russell, who was waived by the Grizzlies before ever wearing their jersey. This was done in advance of Monday's media day in Memphis and the training camp that begins Tuesday in Nashville.

Russell was acquired along with a second-round pick, and a second-round draft swap, from the Washington Wizards in early July -- and it was always the draft assets that were most interesting to Memphis. While Russell has been a high-volume scorer at times in his career, he's never been much of a defender, and he's now 30, not really a fit for a rebuilding team.

The Grizzlies also have plenty of guards, even after Morant's departure.

That includes Ty Jerome, who was a high-volume scorer in his own right when he returned from injury late last season; defensive specialist Scotty Pippen Jr.; sharpshooter Cam Spencer; and former first-round pick Walter Clayton, Jr., who was acquired from Utah as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal. Javon Small, a rookie find last season, also flashed in summer league and may get a longer look. So might Jordan Hawkins, a shooter recently brought in from New Orleans.

And that doesn't include Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward, both of whom could see some time in the backcourt in bigger lineups, as Zach Edey returns at center and rookie Cameron Boozer and veteran Jerami Grant join the front line.

That's a lot of bodies, so Russell never really made sense.

Maybe a fit elsewhere

Russell, who has already played for five teams, should get an opportunity with another, though it's hard to see him being a starter again for a contender.

The last two seasons, the Ohio State product has really struggled from long range in more limited action, closer to 30 percent than his prior flirtations with 40 percent. And he hasn't gotten better on defense, which makes it almost impossible for him to be a closer.

A team like Miami or Orlando that is looking for quick offense off the bench may take a look; Detroit also needs secondary scoring. Memphis is in a different place, building an offense around Boozer and a defense around Edey, and seeing how their young guards sort out.

As for Memphis, the Grizzlies aren't done trimming. They still have 17 guaranteed contracts, which will create competition if they all get to camp.