In the NBA, jersey numbers are more than just digits on a uniform. They’re an identity. Think of Michael Jordan’s iconic No. 23, Kobe Bryant’s legendary switch from eight to 24, or LeBron James making No. 6 his own during his Miami Heat days.
D’Angelo Russell, who recently signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, will be trading in his familiar digits for something entirely fresh. And now, the mystery surrounding his jersey selection has gained a little more clarity.
What Jersey Number is D’Angelo Russell Rumored to Wear for Dallas?
A viral post on X has finally answered the question, although we have received no official confirmation from Russell or the Mavericks. According to the tweet, Russell will don jersey No. 5 for the Mavericks, a number recently vacated by Quentin Grimes, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in February.
D’Angelo Russell (@Dloading) will wear No. 5 for the #Mavs. Number last worn by Quentin Grimes in 2025. #NBA pic.twitter.com/Nxd7aF92bd
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 7, 2025
The post quickly gained traction, with fans celebrating the fresh look for Russell. Some confusion arose in the comment section when several fans speculated that Miles Kelly, who recently signed a two-way deal with Dallas, would be claiming No. 5. However, the original poster clarified that Kelly would be taking a different number.
He will wear something else.
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 7, 2025
How Does Russell’s Jersey History Compare to His New Choice?
Throughout his NBA career, Russell has alternated between two primary numbers. He wore No. 1 during his stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Later, he switched to No. 0 while playing for the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Russell burst onto the national scene after a standout season at Ohio State, where he averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. That performance helped him become the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, selected by the Lakers. Over his nine-year career, he has played for five different franchises, making Dallas his sixth NBA stop.
“I think he has the ability to do whatever the team needs, especially offensively. That’s what’s special about him. He can adapt to whatever the game calls for… But when D-Lo is at his best, he’s in attack mode,” said LeBron James about Russell, according to ESPN.
Russell arrived in Dallas at a crucial time. The Mavericks needed backcourt depth after Kyrie Irving suffered a devastating ACL injury that will keep him sidelined until early 2026. During the 2024-25 season with Brooklyn, Russell averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals over 24.7 minutes in 29 games with 26 starts.
His veteran playmaking skills and scoring ability will help stabilize the Mavericks’ backcourt rotation.
The 29-year-old guard brings playoff experience and clutch-time performance to a Mavericks squad looking to make another deep postseason run.
