Bleacher Report floated the Heat and Hornets as D'Angelo Russell landing spots, but neither has much the Grizzlies would actually want in return.
The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to trade or cut guard D'Angelo Russell this summer. A new article from Bleacher Report's Zach Bachar named a pair of possible destinations for the veteran floor general. He mentioned the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets as potential suitors for Russell.
That said, a trade is difficult to imagine on either side. Russell's trade value is likely low. It's unclear what either team would give up that would be worth the Grizzlies' time.
Let's take a closer look at each suitor.
Heat Have Little to Give for Russell
In terms of money, the only remotely viable deal on Miami's end would involve guard Dru Smith and forward Myron Gardner.
That would be perfect for the Grizzlies. Gardner is a 25-year-old 6-foot-5 wing who hit 40.6% of his triples last season. This is a classic case of a sneaky, high-end Heat acquisition.
Granted, he only played 9.1 minutes per game for Miami last year. Having added forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, there may not be much more time for him in 2026-27. Still, it's hard to imagine Miami giving up such a relatively valuable player for Russell. They don't need a point guard badly enough to take a value loss in the trade market.
Hornets Have Little to Offer for Russell
In theory, the Hornets could trade guard Pat Connaughton for Russell straight up. That would fill a need for a Hornets team that traded star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer.
But why would the Grizzlies want Connaughton?
Let's approach it from the opposite direction: Why don't the Grizzlies want Russell? The logical assumption is that they don't want to sacrifice minutes for younger players for a veteran. At 33, Connaughton is even older than Russell (30). So what's the benefit here from Memphis' end?
If the Hornets were willing to attach a second-round pick, sure. It feels unlikely. If they're looking to give up assets to acquire a point guard, they likely want someone better than Russell.
If that assumption is false? Great. The Grizzlies may have a suitor. If it holds true, it may be hard for the Grizzlies to find a taker for Russell.
For now.
Grizzlies Can Trade Russell Later
Ultimately, this isn't a major concern.
If the Grizzlies can't find a viable deal for Russell now, they can spare some minutes for him throughout the year. If he plays well, he could be easier to move by the deadline.
If not, his deal will expire in the summer. Finding some value for him would be optimal, either now or later, but ultimately, this is the type of roster churn that NBA teams expect to see.
Even if they hope for more.
