The Memphis Grizzlies have waived D’Angelo Russell, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, putting the veteran guard back in search of an NBA landing spot ahead of training camp.
The Memphis Grizzlies have waived D’Angelo Russell, sources tell ESPN. With Memphis needing to trim its roster, this frees Russell up to potentially land somewhere before the start of the season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 25, 2026
Charania reported Friday that Memphis needed to reduce its roster, with the move giving Russell a chance to join another team before the season begins.
“This frees Russell up to potentially land somewhere before the start of the season,” Charania wrote.
The report did not identify a team pursuing Russell or indicate that his next move was already arranged. For now, the news is Memphis’ decision to move on, with the market for the guard still to take shape.
What comes next for D’Angelo Russell?
Russell, 30, is a former All-Star and No. 2 overall draft pick.
His latest season averages were 10.2 points, 4.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Those numbers give the discussion of his next role a more useful starting point than his draft status alone. A team considering Russell would need to decide how much ballhandling responsibility it could offer and whether his scoring and passing address a specific need in its rotation.
In AFD’s analysis, the key question is whether his next opportunity comes with a defined job. An opening on a roster would give him somewhere to go; a role that makes use of his offensive skills would give him a clearer path to staying in the lineup.
Memphis acquired Russell from Washington in July’s six-team trade, which also brought Isaiah Stewart, AJ Johnson and draft assets to the Grizzlies.
That broader transaction matters when assessing Friday’s report. Russell arrived as one component of a larger deal, so the acquisition itself was never enough to establish what his place in Memphis’ rotation would be.
Charania’s roster explanation provides the immediate context for the release. The next development to watch is whether another team identifies a role for Russell as it puts together its own roster.
