With one roster spot open, D’Angelo Russell emerges as a potential spark plug for the Miami Heat's bench, offering veteran scoring depth to a thin backcourt rotation.
MIAMI, Fla. – As training camp approaches, the Miami Heat still have a standard roster spot open, and D’Angelo Russell could emerge as a buyout market candidate.
The 11-year veteran opted into his $6 million player option for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Russell was part of a six-team trade this summer, which sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, he was partially on the Dallas Mavericks and averaged 10.2 points on 40.5 percent shooting, 2.3 rebounds, and four assists in 26 games (three starts).
After falling out of the rotation, Russell was traded to the Washington Wizards, but never played a game. If he’s available on the open market, he could help the Heat’s point guard depth. The current projected rotation is Davion Mitchell (starter), Dru Smith (backup), and Tre Donaldson (two-way, third-stringer).
Russell is a combo guard who has bounced around the league. The Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Russell was part of the same young core as Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and Ivica Zubac. After two seasons in the Purple and Gold, he was traded across the country to the Brooklyn Nets.
Although it wasn’t as glamorous a franchise, Russell made the most of a new opportunity and then made a name for himself. In the 2018-19 season, he averaged 21.1 points on 43.4 percent shooting, 3.9 rebounds, seven assists, and 1.2 steals in 81 games (all starts). However, Russell’s trajectory changed when the Nets signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the 2019 free agency.
The one-time All-Star has split stints with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, a second go-around with the Lakers and Nets, and most recently with the Mavericks.
Russell needs another fresh start and the Heat could present that opportunity. Although playing time isn’t guaranteed, the backup point guard role is open for discussion. Russell could make a push at the rotation and play under Erik Spoelstra’s system. He’s arguably the best head coach at maximizing talent.
The 30-year-old has averaged double figures in scoring since entering the league. Russell could uplift the Heat’s offensive bench production. However, he has a reputation for being a defensive liability. The Heat don’t have to fill the last standard roster spot immediately, but there are several options available and potential pathways ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
