D’Angelo Russell traded to Memphis Grizzlies in massive six-team deal
In a sprawling six‑team trade involving 14 players, D’Angelo Russell heads to the Memphis Grizzlies to bolster their backcourt. The move comes as part of a league‑wide shakeup ahead of free agency.
D’Angelo Russell traded to Memphis Grizzlies in six‑team deal
Tuesday night, July 7, 2026, a six‑team, 14‑player swap reshaped the rosters of the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. The most eye‑catching move was veteran guard D’Angelo Russell heading from the Wizards to the Grizzlies.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Wizards sent Russell, a future second‑round pick and a future second‑round pick swap to Memphis. In return, Washington received guard Kris Middleton from the Dallas Mavericks as part of the larger package.
Russell posted the following on Instagram after the trade was announced:
"No matter where you send me I’m still dangerous."
Russell, via Instagram
The quote came shortly after the trade’s official announcement, highlighting Russell’s confidence that his best years are still ahead.
Trade details on paper
- Washington receives guard Kris Middleton from Dallas.
- Memphis acquires D’Angelo Russell, a future second‑round pick and a future second‑round pick swap.
- Dallas obtains forwards Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic from Memphis in exchange for guard AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Warriors first‑round pick and two future second‑round picks.
Russell’s recent production
Russell’s numbers have slipped in recent seasons. In the 2023‑24 campaign he averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists per game while shooting a career‑high 41.5 % from three‑point range. Over the two prior seasons he posted 11.4 points and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 39.4 % overall and 30.9 % from beyond the arc.
Despite the decline, Yahoo Sports notes that “at his best, Russell can be a floor general, get people involved, and be a legitimate scoring threat” when he gets hot from the perimeter.
Grizzlies’ roster context
The Grizzlies enter the 2026‑27 season with a frontcourt that includes centers Zach Edey, Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post, as well as rookie forward Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick from the recent draft. Their backcourt, however, has been described as a question mark; current starter Scotty Pippen Jr. Is viewed as better suited to a reserve role, and the team lacks another clear‑cut point guard. Russell’s arrival gives Memphis a seasoned playmaker who can run the offense and stretch the floor, addressing the backcourt need highlighted in the Yahoo Sports coverage.
Wizards’ new look
Washington adds veteran guard Kris Middleton to a roster that already features point guard Trae Young, a No. 1 overall rookie (AJ Dybansta) and other young talent. Middleton is expected to provide scoring and veteran leadership as the Wizards re‑tool their lineup following the trade.
Broader league reverberations
The six‑team swap follows other headline moves this week. Marc Stein’s Substack reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo was dealt from Milwaukee to the Miami Heat, and a three‑team trade sent Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets. These transactions have set a frantic tone ahead of the official free‑agency opening on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.
Analysts also point out that the recent flurry of trades mirrors a pattern seen after LeBron James’ 2020 championship run, when “the last six NBA champions have won without luring accomplished free agents,” a sentiment echoed in the HoopsHype coverage.