Russell's Wizards Future
D’Angelo Russell Opts Into $6 Million Wizards Deal for 2026-27, Role Remains Undefined
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Key Points
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Jake Fischer reported Russell became the first veteran to pick up a player option this offseason, with the decision guaranteeing a salary of $5,969,250 for the 2026-27 season (even though it still may not mean he stays in Washington).
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Russell was acquired by Washington on Feb. 5 as part of a trade that also sent Anthony Davis, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy to the Wizards.
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Wizards GM Will Dawkins explained the post-trade arrangement, saying: “With D’Angelo, we’ve talked to him, talked to his representatives. At the time, he’s not going to report as we try to figure out what’s best for him and us in our future.”
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Additional 2025-26 production splits for Russell with Dallas: 50.8% from two-point range, 29.5% from three-point range, 71.7% from the free-throw line, plus 0.5 steals per game.
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The sides did not complete a buyout in time—March 1 passed without a deal, despite Russell seemingly heading toward a buyout after he sat out once traded to Washington.
D'Angelo Russell has opted into his $5,969,250 player option with the Washington Wizards, locking him in for the 2026-27 season. Yahoo Sports reports he is the first veteran to pick up a player option this offseason — though the move does not guarantee he stays in Washington.
Russell never played a single game for the Wizards after arriving in a February trade deadline deal. The 17-65 Wizards are rebuilding fast, with Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and a projected No. 1 draft pick already in the mix. Where Russell fits — or whether he fits at all — is the central question heading into the offseason.
Russell Never Suited Up After the February Trade
On February 5, Washington acquired Russell, Anthony Davis, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy from Dallas. It was a blockbuster move. But Russell never reported. Wizards GM Will Dawkins explained the arrangement plainly: "With D'Angelo, we've talked to him, talked to his representatives. At the time, he's not going to report as we try to figure out what's best for him and us in our future," according to Dallas Hoops Journal.
A buyout looked likely. Russell sat out. But March 1 — the deadline for a player to be waived and join a playoff contender — came and went with no deal. Russell and the Wizards could not agree on terms. He finished 2025-26 with zero appearances in Washington and 26 games in Dallas, where he averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists.
Cold Free-Agent Market Pushed Russell to Opt In
Russell's 2025-26 numbers in Dallas were not encouraging. He shot just 29.5% from three-point range — a career low — while adding 50.8% from two and 71.7% from the free-throw line. Those numbers cooled what little market interest existed for him, Heavy reported.
By opting in, Russell locks in $5,969,250 rather than risking a short-term minimum deal in free agency. Cap experts note that guards shooting under 30% from three struggle to land mid-level exception offers. Staying under contract keeps his options open — as a trade piece or a buyout target later in the summer.
Wizards See a $6M Salary as a Useful Trade Chip
For Washington, Russell's contract is more tool than roster spot. At roughly $6 million, his salary is easy to plug into trade math. A contender needing a veteran playmaker — and a salary-match piece — could target Russell before training camp opens, Dallas Hoops Journal reported.
The Wizards finished 17-65 and hold a projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They are building around Trae Young and Anthony Davis. A backcourt of Young, Russell, and Jaden Hardy is seen as one of the NBA's worst defensive combinations. Moving Russell before October is widely viewed as the most likely outcome.
What Comes Next for Russell and Washington
The opt-in deadline was June 23. Russell beat it. Roundtable notes that picking up the option does not mean he will spend the season in D.C. Both sides can still pursue a trade or, if no deal comes together, a buyout before the season starts.
If Russell does end up staying, he would give Trae Young a veteran backup at the point. But his value — to Washington or anyone else — depends on whether he can bounce back from a brutal shooting year. At 30 years old and on a modest $6 million deal, this offseason may be his last real chance to reset his career.
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