They couldn’t have done it yesterday. In a clear move designed to render the preseason preview out of date on the very day it is published, the Memphis Grizzlies have terminated the contract of D’Angelo Russell. The guard had arrived back from the Washington Wizards, where he had previously joined as part of the trade involving Anthony and Davis.
Russell had accepted his $5.97 million player option last July. And it isn’t expected that he gave up much in this termination.
Obviously, a veteran like him didn’t have much to contribute on a roster like the Grizzlies, which has pressed the reset button and must now focus its efforts on developing its young core. One of the season’s objectives, in fact, was to move Russell on. And they’ve taken the quick route. The next move should be Jerami Grant, although this won’t be as easy to move given his contract and currently modest value.
At 30 years old, the former Mavericks, Lakers, Warriors, Nets and Wolves will be looking for a minimum-salary contract to rebuild his value. Do you know of anyone who needs a point guard?
