With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to an ACL injury, the Dallas Mavericks have made a significant move by signing D'Angelo Russell to bolster their point guard depth. Russell's two-year, $11.6 million contract marks his return to a Western Conference team with championship aspirations. Initially expected to start while Irving recovers, Russell's role may shift to a sixth man upon Irving's return. Recent training footage shows Russell working on his chemistry with Klay Thompson, rekindling their past connection from their brief time with the Warriors.

Though not on Irving's level, Russell brings offensive creation skills and floor-spacing ability to the Mavericks, which will be crucial as the team aims to improve after their blockbuster trade last season. With his previous experience alongside Thompson and Anthony Davis, Russell is poised to make a meaningful impact on Dallas’s playoff ambitions as they navigate the Western Conference landscape.