July 1 , according to the latest report from ESPN authoritative reporter Shams Charania, free agent D'Angelo Russell has officially reached a signing agreement with the Dallas Mavericks. The two sides finalized a two-year contract with a total value of $13 million, of which the second year is a player option. Russell's joining has become an important part of the Mavericks' free market operations this summer, and also provides key support for the team's backcourt in the context of Kyrie Irving's long-term injury.

The Mavericks signed Russell with a mid-level exception contract. According to further analysis by NBA reporter Marc Stein , since Irving will be absent until early 2026 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Russell will have the opportunity to play a more important role during this period and prove his value again. Stein also emphasized that this mid-level contract is not only highly cost-effective in terms of amount, but also allows the Mavericks to strengthen their lineup while maintaining salary flexibility.

In the middle of the 2024-25 season, Russell was traded from the Lakers to the Nets. He played a total of 58 games in the season, averaging 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. However, his shooting efficiency was not ideal, with a hit rate of only 39.0% and a three-point hit rate of 31.4% . However, considering the Nets' overall record pressure at the time and the adaptation of the tactical system to Russell, there is still room for such performance.

The Mavericks' recruitment operation not only focuses on immediate combat effectiveness, but also reflects the consideration of team chemistry. Russell will team up with his former partner Davis Bertans again. The two have had a good cooperation before. In the context of Irving's long-term absence, Russell will have more time to partner with Doncic and play the role of ball-handling organization and scoring second point.

Russell's career has experienced ups and downs in the past few years, from a former All-Star guard to being used by multiple teams in rotation. His low-salary joining the Mavericks is seen as a " touchstone " contract. If he can perform efficiently in the new season, he will be able to jump out of the contract next year to gain a larger market space.

Russell's joining the Mavericks is not only an important opportunity for him to restart his career, but also a pragmatic choice for the Mavericks to stabilize the backcourt rotation in the absence of Irving. Signing a guard with an All-Star resume with an average annual salary of $5.7 million is undoubtedly a cost-effective operation. Next, it depends on whether Russell can seize the opportunity, respond to doubts with performance, and help Dallas stabilize the situation in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.