Former NBA All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell agreed to a contract with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Wednesday. This move marks his first professional basketball stint outside the United States after spending 11 seasons in the NBA.
The signing comes just a week after the Memphis Grizzlies waived the 30-year-old veteran in a roster-trimming move, making him an unrestricted free agent. Russell had previously exercised his $5 million player option for the 2026-27 season before the Grizzlies acquired him in a six-team trade earlier this summer.
A Tough Final Stretch in the NBA
Before his release, Russell appeared in 26 games for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025-26 NBA season. He averaged 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game while primarily serving in a reserve role before falling out of head coach Jason Kidd’s rotation. The Mavericks later traded Russell to the Washington Wizards at the 2026 trade deadline as part of the Anthony Davis blockbuster deal, though he never played a game for Washington.
Reflecting on his time in the league, Russell leaves with solid career statistics. Across 655 regular-season games, he averaged 17.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point range.
From High Draft Pick to Global Stage
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Russell second overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Ohio State. Throughout his career, he has played for several franchises, including the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dallas Mavericks.
His individual peak occurred during the 2018-19 season with the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 21.1 points and 7.0 assists per game that year, earning his first and only All-Star selection as an injury replacement for Victor Oladipo and leading the team to a playoff appearance.
What Lies Ahead in China
By joining the Shanghai Sharks, Russell enters an organization with a rich history of welcoming high-profile American talent. The Sharks won the 2025-26 CBA championship in June-claiming their first title since the Yao Ming era 24 years ago-and currently feature former NBA player Brandon Goodwin on their roster. Past notable NBA veterans to play for the Shanghai franchise include Gilbert Arenas, Michael Beasley, Eric Bledsoe, and Delonte West.
Reports indicated that Russell initially hoped to join an NBA playoff contender after Memphis waived him. However, a lack of immediate domestic opportunities opened the door for an overseas transition. In China, the veteran guard is expected to take on a massive offensive and leadership role as he works to revitalize his professional career.
