Another notable NBA veteran seems to be on pace to hit the open market if a trade doesn't get done soon. The Philadelphia 76ers are going to be on the hunt for a low-cost, win-now veteran if the LeBron James plan falls through.
D'Angelo Russell could be the next big name available
The Memphis Grizzlies recently acquired D'Angelo Russell from the Washington Wizards. If all goes as expected, he'll get moved before the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season.
According to Yahoo Sports' NBA Insider Kelly Iko, Russell is certainly not believed to be a long-term piece in Memphis. Both sides will work on a buyout or a trade, according to Iko's report.
Considering Russell is owed $5.9 million for the 2026-2027 NBA season, teams are likely going to avoid giving up any type of asset to pay him that much for a year, while waiting would result in only having to offer the veteran's minimum. That's the only way the Sixers can play ball.
Should the Sixers keep tabs on D'Angelo Russell?
Looking at the Sixers' roster, the team is going to head into the second season in a row saying they have enough guards. You would think that should be enough to avoid the Russell business altogether.
At the same time, the 76ers said that last year. Midway through the year, that narrative seemed laughable. The Sixers cut ties with Eric Gordon and Jared McCain, while Kyle Lowry was unplayable.
The team leaned heavily on Quentin Grimes, VJ Edgecombe, and Tyrese Maxey, who finished the season by leading the NBA in minutes per game at 38.0.
Right now, the Sixers don't need to be in the guard business, but last year's mistakes are worth keeping in mind.
Russell brings plenty of experience to the table. He's been in the NBA for 11 years, spending two stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, and also suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets (twice), Golden State Warriors, and the Dallas Mavericks.
During the 2025-2026 season, Russell played in 26 games for the struggling Mavs. He shot 40.5% from the field and 29.5% from three, averaging 10.2 points and 4.0 assists off the bench.
Being a former All-Star scorer, and having four seasons of playoff experience makes Russell intriguing for a contending team in the Sixers' position. But the President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey should avoid any thoughts of possibly pursuing Russell if he's available soon.
Not a single guard coming in through free agency will crack the starting backcourt over Maxey and Edgecombe. Anfernee Simons will surely be a key player off the bench.
In a perfect world, the Sixers hit on their first-round pick for the third season in a row with an immediate contributor in Labaron Philon Jr. He is a question mark, so the Sixers will be keeping that in mind early.
If Philon has clear struggles in the offseason, the Sixers might have to start looking at Russell-types. For the time being, there isn't any reason to take away learning opportunities from the former Alabama guard.
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