D’Angelo Russell has officially signed his two-year, $13 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Overall, this deal is a positive step as the team continues to try and remake its roster. The 29-year-old point guard, who recently clangored onto the market when Phoenix booted him after three seasons, became Dallas’ centerpiece target over the summer. That makes this deal doubly special. It gives Russell the chance to fill the starting position left open by Kyrie Irving, who’s recovering from a torn ACL.
Russell’s return to Dallas means a reunion with the star he was traded just before the All-Star break on the Lakers’ side, Anthony Davis. The two players previously played together during the 2015-2016 season and will now have the opportunity to reconnect on the court in their new environment. On court, this partnership will help to inform the Mavericks’ offensive strategy as they push toward a return to the playoffs next season.
Russell has cultivated an image as a dominant troll the league. He has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 17.3 points and 5.7 assists per game. His ability to score and facilitate plays makes him a valuable asset for the Mavericks as they seek to maintain competitiveness in a challenging Western Conference.
Russell’s contract includes a player option in the second year. This might have given him the freedom and flexibility to start to really chart his own course in Dallas. Providing this flexibility allows Russell to get a true sense of his performance and progress from the team. He would thus be free to either continue his work with the Mavericks or seek new challenges.
Hiring the decision to bring Russell into the Mavericks fold could hardly come at a more crucial time for the organization. With Kyrie Irving out due to injury, Brooklyn is operating on fumes. Russell’s experience and skill will undoubtedly be needed as the team continues to transition and go through this metamorphic phase. Mavericks fans are eagerly anticipating how Russell will integrate into the team’s dynamics and contribute to their pursuit of playoff contention.
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