D’Angelo Russell wasted no time getting to work after signing with the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran guard inked a two-year, $11.6 million deal and immediately hit the gym for offseason training.
Dallas brought in Russell to help fill the void left by injured star Kyrie Irving, who is expected to miss significant time in the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL.
How Will D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson Build Chemistry for the Mavericks?
In a recent video making rounds on X (formerly Twitter), Russell was spotted working out with teammate Klay Thompson. The two guards focused on mid-range jumpers and three-point shots while running pickup scrimmages against each other.
DLo and Klay working out together đŸ‘€ pic.twitter.com/j7Za69zeYr
— Icey (@IceyDLO) July 7, 2025
Russell brings veteran leadership to a Dallas backcourt that needs stability. The 29-year-old former All-Star averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 2024-25, splitting time between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. His 58 games played showed he stayed relatively healthy throughout the campaign.
Over his 10-year career, Russell has put up solid numbers: 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s played for multiple franchises, including the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, giving him experience in different systems and roles.
What Role Will Russell Play in Dallas’s Playoff Push?
Irving’s absence creates a major opportunity for Russell to step into a primary ball-handling role. Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 50 games during 2024-25, leaving significant production to replace.
Dallas considered other veteran point guards during free agency, including Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Paul was reportedly linked to the Mavericks earlier in the offseason before they pivoted to Russell.
The Mavericks chose Russell for his proven scoring ability and playmaking skills. His pick-and-roll experience should mesh well with Dallas’s frontcourt players, particularly in creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
Thompson’s arrival from Golden State added another dimension to Dallas’s perimeter attack last season. The five-time All-Star shot 39.1% from 3-point range in 2024-25, providing the floor spacing Russell needs to operate effectively.
Russell’s early work with Thompson suggests both players understand the importance of building chemistry before training camp begins. Their combined experience, 22 NBA seasons between them, gives Dallas two veterans who know how to prepare for a long season.
Dallas made the play-in in 2024-25 but fell short of their championship goals, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies. Russell’s addition gives them another proven scorer who can create his own shot and set up teammates. Whether he can help fill Irving’s production remains the biggest question heading into the new season.
