The Toronto Raptors are quietly surveying the market for backcourt reinforcements, and a familiar name is starting to emerge as an intriguing, low-risk gamble. While initial hopes of poaching sharpshooter Walter Clayton Jr. were quickly dashed after insider reports confirmed he is safe in Memphis, the Grizzlies’ crowded roster could still yield a massive opportunity for Toronto.
As the rebuilding Grizzlies look to streamline their personnel, veteran guard D’Angelo Russell is floating near the top of the waiver-wire watch list. For a Raptors squad looking to solidify its depth behind Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead, taking a flyer on DLo could prove to be a stroke of genius.
Navigating D’Angelo Russell’s Turbulent Journey
It is no secret that the recent chapter of Russell’s NBA career has been a rollercoaster. After signing with the Dallas Mavericks last summer to fill the playmaking void left by an injured Kyrie Irving, his stint in Texas lasted just 26 games before a trade shipped him to the Washington Wizards as part of the blockbuster Anthony Davis deal. A buyout in the nation’s capital never materialized, and DLo was subsequently swept up in a massive six-team, 11-player mega-trade that landed him in Memphis.
Because the Grizzlies’ backcourt is heavily congested and the former All-Star does not align with their long-term developmental timeline, a buyout or release feels increasingly likely. At this stage of his career, Russell is obviously a far cry from the primary offensive option he once was. Yet, as a high-upside depth piece, his resume carries plenty of intrigue.
During his brief stretch with Dallas, the veteran guard still produced respectable averages, posting 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest. The glaring red flag, however, was his abysmal 29.5 percent conversion rate from beyond the arc—a concerning metric for a Raptors team that fought through severe shooting inconsistencies last year.
Even so, history suggests an outlier slump rather than a permanent regression. Russell boasts a career 38 percent-plus pedigree from long range, meaning he didn’t simply forget how to shoot in his 11th professional season.
Insulating Toronto Against Backcourt Disasters
The primary argument for bringing Russell north of the border boils down to sheer insurance. Last season offered a harsh masterclass in the dangers of poor injury timing. When Immanuel Quickley went down toward the tail end of the regular season, the Raptors were dangerously thin, leaving young Jamal Shead with an enormous burden to shoulder down the stretch and into the postseason.
While DLo is certainly past the point of replicating Quickley’s elite production, he represents a proven secondary source of creation and half-court playmaking. Darko Rajaković’s offensive system thrives on high-IQ decision-makers who can keep the ball moving, and Russell’s passing vision would fit seamlessly into bench units.
Of course, a few hurdles remain. Accepting a fringe role as a non-everyday contributor would require a massive ego check for a player with Russell’s pedigree. Yet, playing for a competitive, high-upside team like Toronto offers him a rare platform to contend at the highest level while reviving his stock. With his career temporarily hanging in the balance, finding a stable home where he can contribute to a winner might be his best remaining play.
Once the dust settles on the massive Kawhi Leonard trade saga, the Raptors are projected to have two open roster spots. If the Grizzlies officially cut ties and put DLo on the open market, Toronto should act swiftly to bring him into the fold. Adding a proven veteran orchestrator could be the exact finishing touch needed to bulletproof the Raptors’ rotation for the long grind ahead.
