D’Angelo Russell Reportedly on Trade Watch as Mavericks Lose Confidence

When the Dallas Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell over the offseason, the hope was that the veteran guard could offer stability in the backcourt and provide secondary playmaking. Instead, less than two months into the season, his tenure in Dallas appears to be winding toward an abrupt end.

League insiders now expect Russell to be shopped heavily as the Mavericks evaluate their direction ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Dallas is trending toward the bottom of the Western Conference and is reportedly focusing on building around top prospect Cooper Flagg, a shift that increases the likelihood of Russell being included in upcoming trade frameworks.

Production hits career lows

Russell’s numbers have fallen sharply, and his diminished output has contributed to a shrinking role. Through his first 15 games, the former All-Star is averaging:

• 11.9 points per game
• 4.9 assists
• 2.8 rebounds
• 0.5 steals

He is shooting just 38% from the field and a concerning 22.7% from three, marking the lowest shooting efficiency of his NBA career. He has also posted negative advanced metrics across the board, including a negative VORP and low win-share production.

Russell has shifted to a bench role, and with Dallas lacking consistency on both ends, there appears to be little patience remaining as the franchise looks ahead.

Another move for a well-traveled player

If traded, it would mark the sixth time Russell has been moved, including two previous stints with the Lakers, who drafted him second overall in 2015. He was traded away in 2017, returned in 2023, and later sent out again in the deal that brought in Dorian Finney-Smith.

His defensive limitations and erratic scoring have repeatedly limited his playoff reliability, and his time in Dallas seems to be following a familiar pattern.

Dallas looking for a partner

The Mavericks are expected to seek a larger deal, possibly packaging Russell alongside other assets as they reshape the roster and try to gain draft flexibility. With Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving also rumored to be available, Dallas could pursue a dramatic reset.

One destination that will not be part of the conversation, however, is Russell’s former team. The Los Angeles Lakers are not expected to pursue a reunion, having successfully moved on without him and showing no signs of revisiting the partnership.

Future uncertain

At 29 years old and in the midst of the worst season of his career, Russell may be headed toward a rebuilding organization or a limited role on a contender. Unless he finds a situation better suited to his strengths, the remainder of his season may be spent fighting to prove he still belongs in a meaningful rotation.