In order to cover for Kyrie Irving’s injury, the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to sign veteran guard D’Angelo Russell to a two-year deal worth $13 million.
Russell, 29, averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 58 games during his season split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Russell, who was selected second overall by the Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft and was named an All-Star with Brooklyn in 2019, has averaged 17.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds over his career in 629 NBA games.
Despite Russell’s defensive shortcomings, the Mavericks will have a number of players on the roster who can assist offset them. Forward Anthony Davis and center Dereck Lively II are two of the league’s best defensive players.
Although Brooklyn appears to have committed to a younger group with several NBA Draft picks, Russell had previously stated his desire to return to the Nets on a long-term agreement.
Dallas obtained Russell’s contract, which includes a player option in the second year, by using the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception, a salary cap tool made available after Irving turned down a $43 million player option and re-signed for $119 million.
