The Dallas Mavericks continue their aggressive offseason overhaul with another big hit move.
Dallas has secured a proven veteran guard at Dangelo Russell in a two-year, $13 million deal after drafting the Cooper Flag with the number one pick and a strategic, undrafted signature.
The signature addresses important needs as Kyrie Irving recovers from a torn ACL injury. Russell offers instant depth and experience to the Maverick team, determined to maximize their championship window.
Russell will serve as a major backup and potential replacement for Irving during the recovery period. The former All-Star guard brings proven playmaking ability despite experiencing statistical declines last season.
Russell averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds while splitting the time between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Net.
The team’s chemistry issues and injuries affected the decline in these numbers, but his basic skills remained unchanged.
The 29-year-old veteran offers the vital floor leadership and shot creation that Dallas desperately needed. His ability to promote attacks on other stars makes him an ideal complement to the Mavericks.
The Mavericks secured Russell using $5.7 million taxpayer Midlevel Exception, bringing the total transaction closer to $123 million over two years.
This represents an exceptional value compared to Russell’s previous contract, which averages $18 million a year.
Russell’s willingness to accept significantly less than his previous Lakers deals shows his commitment to winning maximizing his salary. The team-friendly structure allows Dallas to maintain financial flexibility while adding proven talent.
General Manager Nico Harrison continues to showcase the construction of a sensible roster, balancing the veteran experience with emerging talent.
This approach places Dallas as a legal candidate despite salary cap constraints.
The Mavericks’ five starting five for next season include Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flag, Anthony Davis and Daniel Gaford.
The combination features three former All-Stars, a promising newcomer, and solid rim protection. The fusion of veteran experience with young talent creates the potential to intriguing the system of coach Jason Kidd.
The lineup also reminds the NBA community of the collaboration between Russell and Davis, as the Lakers tenure showed they weren’t a good pick-and-roll partnership.
Some believe things can be different in Dallas, while others believe the story remains the same.