The D’Angelo Russell era in Washington is over before a single jersey was sold. Following the blockbuster trade deadline deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA—highlighted by Anthony Davis’s arrival in the nation’s capital—it has become clear that Russell, a key salary-matching piece in the transaction, will not be suiting up for the Wizards.
Washington Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins confirmed the situation on Sunday, putting to rest speculation about how the veteran guard would fit into the team’s rotation.
“We talked to him, talked to his representatives,” Dawkins said in a statement to the press. “At the time, he’s not going to report until we try to figure out what’s best for him and us in our future.”
The phrasing “best for him and us” is standard front-office parlance for an imminent separation. While Russell is technically on the roster, the organization is effectively placing him in limbo. At the same time, it negotiates a buyout or explores a secondary transaction, though the latter is unlikely with the trade deadline passed.
A Mismatch of Timelines
The separation appears mutual and rooted in the different paths of the player and the franchise. For the Wizards, the acquisition of Anthony Davis signals a confusing but aggressive pivot, yet the roster remains cluttered with young guards. Washington has invested heavily in developing their backcourt of the future, and adding a high-usage, ball-dominant veteran like Russell—who expects significant minutes—would likely stunt the growth of the team’s younger prospects.
For Russell, a 29-year-old former All-Star, joining a team with an undefined competitive timeline offers little appeal. His 2025-26 campaign with the Dallas Mavericks was widely considered a disappointment. Russell initially signed with the Mavericks last summer to fill the point guard void while Kyrie Irving recovered from a torn ACL. However, Russell struggled to find rhythm. He averaged a career-low 10.2 points per game and eventually fell out of the rotation entirely.
The Buyout Market Awaits
With the “won’t report” designation official, the clock is now ticking on a buyout agreement. Once Russell clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with a contender looking for bench scoring.
Despite his struggles in Dallas, Russell’s skill set—playmaking and perimeter shooting—is still valuable in a vacuum. Teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, or even the Boston Celtics could be in the market for a backup point guard who can run an offense in spurts. The narrative of Russell being a “distressed asset” might actually make him a bargain for a playoff team needing depth, provided he is willing to accept a reduced role.
Financial Implications for Washington
For the Wizards, this move is less about basketball and more about roster management. By buying out Russell, they can open up a roster spot to convert a two-way contract or take a flyer on a G-League standout. While they will still carry the dead money from his contract, the flexibility to focus on their own youth movement is worth the cost.
Ultimately, Russell’s time as a Wizard will be a mere footnote in transaction logs—a paper transaction in a deadline blockbuster that changed the face of the franchise, but not its backcourt.