The Memphis Grizzlies have waived veteran guard D’Angelo Russell and signed Brendan Hausen ahead of the start of NBA training camp, according to team announcements. Russell, a 30-year-old former All-Star and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, will become an unrestricted free agent once he clears the waiver wire process.
Roster Moves and Financial Context
The Grizzlies acquired Russell from the Washington Wizards in July as part of a complex six-team trade, but he will depart the franchise without appearing in a single regular-season game. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on September 25, 2026, that the team cut loose the veteran guard to trim its roster.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks provided further salary and roster context on social media, noting that Russell was playing on an expiring $6 million contract. Marks reported that the Grizzlies faced an October 19 roster deadline, carrying 17 guaranteed contracts and one partial deal belonging to Jaylen Wells, requiring the front office to trim the active list down to 15 players.
Career Trajectory and Recent Performance
Russell enters the open market following a steep statistical decline over recent seasons. During the prior year, he appeared in just 26 games for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 10.2 points and 4.0 assists per contest. The Mavericks subsequently shipped Russell to the Wizards as part of a salary dump in the blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, though Russell never suited up for Washington.
The guard’s peak production occurred during the 2018–19 campaign with the Brooklyn Nets. In his lone All-Star season in Brooklyn, Russell averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, spearheading a young, rebuilding squad to a sixth-seed playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Following that two-year stint with the Nets, Russell’s career journey included stops with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and Mavericks before landing in Memphis.
Outlook for Free Agency
Industry analysts expect Russell to go unclaimed on the waiver wire due to his $6 million salary, making him a free agent capable of signing with any franchise. Despite his recent offensive regression, league observers suggest the 11-year veteran could draw interest from championship contenders seeking backcourt depth on a veteran’s minimum contract before the regular season tips off.