On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies waived D'Angelo Russell, ESPN's Shams Charania reported. While that move just became official, it was anticipated. Bluff City's NBA franchise was carrying 21 players. That's the offseason maximum.
Even before Russell's release hit the wire, the Boston Celtics weren't a match when looking for a potential landing spot. Now that they've added Devin Carter, a former lottery pick, bringing in the former Ohio State star is even less likely.
After appearing in just 26 games with the Dallas Mavericks last season, the now 30-year-old former All-Star might accept the role that comes with filling Boston's final roster vacancy.
However, even if buying in isn't an issue for him, his game hasn't aged well. His three-point rate has plummeted; he turns the ball over too much, and he isn't a good defender. In the right infrastructure, perhaps Russell could have a bounce-back year. However, it would come as a shock if that opportunity came with the C's.
Why the Celtics signing D'Angelo Russell would be impractical
Boston is in an excellent position to reset the repeater tax. Fans can groan about that, but it would be incredibly valuable.
It makes it much easier to take a significant swing if the organization finds itself looking for a new co-star to flank Jayson Tatum. It also helps keep a title contender together for longer.
The Celtics are $1.7 million below the luxury tax. As an 11-year veteran, Russell would count $2.4 million against their salary cap. They have until the end of the league year to get underneath the luxury tax threshold. However, unless an injury changes the equation, Russell would be the most likely roster casualty.
Mike Conley's impact on a potential D'Angelo Russell signing
At his introductory press conference at the Auerbach Center, the veteran point guard made it clear that he still has some gas left in the tank. He doesn't just want to sit on the bench and serve as a player-coach. Even as he nears his 39th birthday, he can still contribute and fully intends to.
The Celtics will have a plan to maximize Conley without overtaxing him. However, he came to Boston with an understanding of what his role would look like.
It's one thing if the chance to develop a young player like Carter presents itself; bringing in Russell, who would eat into some of Conley's minutes, is a different matter. It's hard to see the franchise going that route.
So, while the Celtics have an open roster spot, Conley's presence and the team's chance to reset the repeater tax made signing him improbable. Russell's declining performance was another reason that Boston was an unlikely landing spot. He also might want more of a role than the club can offer. Carter's arrival would make subsequently signing Russell even less practical.
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