The Washington Wizards could end up adding another piece to the backcourt after D'Angelo Russell previously evaluated his options elsewhere
The Washington Wizards could end up getting another player on the 2025-26 roster after all.
After not joining the team following the trade ahead of the deadline, D'Angelo Russell could end up joining the Wizards organization, per Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.
Russell was among the players sent to Washington in the Anthony Davis trade, though general manager Will Dawkins told reporters days later that Russell will not report to the team as the two sides finalize next steps with a buyout seemingly on the table at the time.
"We've talked to him, talked to his representatives. At the time he's not going to report, as we try to figure out what's best for him and us in our future," Dawkins said back on Feb. 9.
Fast forward nearly three weeks, Russell's route may ultimately send him to Washington. Siegel reported on Friday, however, that a lack of interest from teams around the league could set the stage for the former Mavericks guard to ultimately suit up for the Wizards.
"Upon receiving no interest from other teams around the league, Russell may actually play for the Wizards during the back half of the 2025-26 season, as he recently swapped his number from No. 14 to No. 28 for Washington." Siegel said. "Unless a team comes out of left field and informs him they would add him to their playoff roster, Russell seems prepared to finish the 2025-26 season with the Wizards."
The former Ohio State guard could now be in line to suit up for his sixth team during his NBA career, while Russell has averaged double figures scoring across his stints with teams throughout his career. With Dallas, Russell averaged 10.2 points and four assists while shooting 40.5% from the field and 29.5% from three in three starts and 26 appearances with the Mavericks while averaging 19 minutes per game.
Russell does have a near $6 million player option that he can opt into this upcoming offseason, though his future with the team beyond the 2025-26 season remains unclear with all the focus on the long-term situations for both Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
Jaden Hardy is the lone player involved in the trade who has yet to make an appearance for the Wizards this season while the team remains patient with Anthony Davis's recovery process, along with both Alex Sarr and Trae Young, as the team returns to DC this weekend. Russell has remained listed on the team's injury report with a 'not with team' designation, though all eyes will now turn to whether that changes over the final 24 games of the 2025-26 regular season.