D'Angelo Russell's future on the Wizards gets more confusing by the day

Is he here to stay or not?
Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell (5) brings the ball up court during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard D'Angelo Russell (5) brings the ball up court during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There's no secret that the Washington Wizards busy NBA trade deadline put them in position where the team would be tasked with roster decisions to make.

Obviously, when the team opted to make the swings for both Trae Young and Anthony Davis, it was clear that both players were here to stay.

And while Young landed in Washington alone, Davis' arrival came with the addition of quite a few players.

One of which being former G-League Ignite standout Jaden Hardy, who's already shown flashes in his recent stretch with the Wizards.

The other being a former lottery pick in Dante Exum, who seemingly thrived in his fresh start with the Mavericks prior to be involved in the blockbuster trade that moved Davis to the Eastern Conference.

Nonetheless, with an injury history at 30, mixed with the fact he offered no real upside to the team, Washington quickly decided to cut ties with the veteran guard giving him the opportunity to seek yet another fresh start elsewhere.

Last but not least, that leaves veteran guard D'Angelo Russell as the lone player who's future in Washington seems to be up in the air.

D'Angelo Russell Wizards' future unclear

Originally, it seemed as if a buyout for the former No. 2 overall pick was the most likely scenario after general manager Will Dawkins revealed that the playmaker had yet to join the team as the two sides discussed what would be best for his future.

Russell is at the point of his career where competing for an NBA championship is likely the upmost top priority.

While Davis may be sticking around for the rebuild, that's because he's a focal point in the team's vision, where as Russell is on the complete opposite spectrum.

At the same time, with the recent announcement that Russell would be changing his jersey number from 14 to 28, it seemed like the two sides may have come to an agreement for the Ohio State product to stick around after all.

Nonetheless, the guard has yet to join the team and with the deadline for buyout players to be eligible for the NBA Playoffs quickly approaching on March 1st, his situation only gets more confusing by the day.

If Russell hopes to join a contending team, he'll need to be bought out ahead of Sunday's deadline.

However, if he's willing to see it through in regards to the team's vision, he'll need to join the team to build some chemistry down the stretch of the season or there's quite literally no reason for him to still be rostered,

Eventually a decision will be made, but for now it seems like a waiting game.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations