The Dallas Mavericks just made another savvy move in their sudden rebuild: D’Angelo Russell is signing a 2-year, $13 million deal, joining a Mavericks squad that now features Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and a deep rotation of defensive-minded role players.
The post-Luka era is here — and it looks far from hopeless.
🏥 Kyrie Irving’s Setback Leaves Huge Shoes to Fill
Kyrie Irving was in the middle of a strong 2024–25 campaign before tragedy struck — a torn left ACL suffered on March 3, 2025, sidelined him for the remainder of the season and potentially deep into 2026. With Luka Doncic now gone to the Lakers and Kyrie rehabbing, Dallas faced a complete backcourt void. Irving’s blend of elite shot creation, late-game confidence, and floor-spacing gravity can’t be replicated, but his absence gave Dallas the green light to pivot — and get younger, deeper, and more team-oriented around Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg. The front office isn’t panicking — they’re adapting.
🧠 Dangelo Russell Steps In as the Stopgap and Spark Plug
Enter D’Angelo Russell, a proven scorer and capable lead guard who fits Dallas’ current build like a glove. While not the dynamic isolation wizard Kyrie is, DLo is a high-IQ initiator who can run an offense, hit tough shots, and make smart reads in the pick-and-roll — especially with AD as the roll man. He brings playoff experience, a calm demeanor, and a scoring profile that helps Dallas survive and compete during Kyrie’s extended absence. He’s not just keeping the seat warm — he’s auditioning to be a long-term piece of the Mavs’ new identity: balanced, versatile, and deep.
🔍 Breakdown & Grades
D’Angelo Russell — Grade: B+
At 30, Russell brings a crafty scoring touch, strong pick-and-roll execution, and a career 36.2% clip from three. With Luka gone, DLo isn’t just a backup — he’s a lead guard in a system centered around Anthony Davis and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
AD x DLo x Flagg
The Russell–AD duo could quietly mirror the DLo–KAT connection in Minnesota: inside-out balance, with DLo spacing, initiating, and closing possessions. Flagg gives the offense a two-way wildcard — a modern 6’9” forward who can shoot, switch, and slash.
📊 Stats & Fit
- 2024 Season Averages:
15.0 PPG | 6.0 APG | 44.7% FG | 37.6% 3PT - Strengths:
– High pick-and-roll IQ
– Three-level scoring upside
– Can thrive on-ball and off-ball
– Great fit next to a post-heavy star like AD - Weaknesses:
– Inconsistent defense
– Can be streaky in clutch moments
With Luka out, there’s room for DLo to step up, not as a franchise star, but as a stabilizing engine.
🧠 Strategic Fit
Dallas is no longer a heliocentric team. With AD as the new anchor and Flagg as a rising two-way forward, DLo gives this squad the structure it needs in halfcourt sets — and the scoring punch needed late in the clock.
Don’t sleep on the Mavs’ depth, either:
- Wings & Guards: Klay Thompson, Dante Exum, Caleb Martin, Max Christie
- Bigs: Derrick Lively II, AD, PJ Washington
- Versatility: Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, Russell himself
🔮 Future Trajectory
Short-Term:
DLo’s offensive flexibility is perfect while Flagg develops. He can run the offense or spot up when AD or Klay post up. His contract is team-friendly and leaves Dallas space to maneuver midseason.
Mid-Term:
If Flagg becomes the two-way monster scouts expect, Russell’s veteran savvy becomes a huge locker room asset — potentially molding into the next-gen version of Mike Conley for a young playoff team.
Long-Term:
He may not be the long-term franchise guard, but DLo could prove to be one of the best-value signings of this free agency class, especially if Dallas sneaks into playoff contention behind elite defense and clutch shooting.
