Breaking news: Free Agent D’Angelo Russell Reunites with Former Teammates in Mavericks Key Signing.

Dallas Mavericks Land D’Angelo Russell to Bolster Backcourt During Kyrie Irving’s Recovery

Just hours into the NBA free agency frenzy, the Dallas Mavericks wasted no time executing their offseason blueprint. With star guard Kyrie Irving sidelined for the opening months due to an ACL injury, the Mavericks moved swiftly to address a glaring need in their starting lineup.

Sources confirm that Dallas has reached an agreement with Brooklyn Nets free agent point guard D’Angelo Russell on a two-year, $13 million deal. The Mavericks utilized the taxpayer mid-level exception, made available after securing new contracts for Irving and Daniel Gafford, to bring Russell on board.

For Russell, the move is a reunion of sorts. He’ll be rejoining former Los Angeles Lakers teammates Anthony Davis and Max Christie in Dallas, a trio that started last season together in purple and gold. Russell was shipped to Brooklyn midseason in a blockbuster trade that sent ex-Maverick Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton, and multiple draft picks to the Nets. Meanwhile, Davis and Christie were infamously involved in the high-profile deal that sent franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to Hollywood, a move that dramatically altered the Mavericks’ trajectory.

Looking ahead, Dallas appears poised to be more dangerous than ever. Russell’s arrival adds another layer of firepower to a roster already brimming with talent.

A deeper dive into the Russell/Davis/Christie trio reveals impressive results: Last season, when the three shared the floor for the Lakers, they posted a stellar +9.4 net rating, with an offensive rating of 115.7 and a defensive rating of 106.3. Their on-court chemistry and familiarity could prove invaluable as the Mavericks aim for a fast start without their leading scorer, Irving.

Russell’s blend of passing and scoring is set to be a major asset in a projected starting lineup featuring sharpshooter Klay Thompson, No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, two-way star Anthony Davis, and athletic young center Dereck Lively II.

Last season, Russell averaged 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. While his shooting efficiency dipped, his 2023-24 campaign with the Lakers saw him hit 45.6% from the field and a career-best 41.5% from beyond the arc. He also ranked 10th in the NBA with 226 made three-pointers—a personal high.

Dallas is banking on Russell’s fresh start, familiar faces, and increased responsibilities to spark a return to peak productivity. If that optimism translates to wins, the Mavericks could become even more formidable once Irving returns to the fold.

With Russell in the mix, Dallas is betting big on chemistry, versatility, and star power to keep their championship aspirations alive—and perhaps, take them to new heights.