The Memphis Grizzlies waived D’Angelo Russell on September 25 to begin reducing a crowded roster. They entered Friday with 19 players on standard contracts, compared with the regular-season maximum of 15. His departure gives another player a better chance of staying, but Memphis remains responsible for his guaranteed salary if he clears waivers. Hoops Rumors, republished by Yardbarker
Why Memphis still has cuts to make
After removing Russell, Memphis still had 17 fully guaranteed contracts plus Jaylen Wells’ partially guaranteed deal, according to Hoops Rumors. That leaves at least three more departures necessary from that group to reach 15. A partial guarantee limits the team’s financial commitment; the contract still occupies a standard roster spot. Hoops Rumors’ roster accounting
Memphis also signed undrafted guard Brendan Hausen on Friday. NBA.com’s transaction report Teams may carry 21 players during training camp, then retain up to 15 standard contracts and three two-way contracts for the regular season. Signing someone in September does not establish that he has secured an opening-night job. NBA roster rules
Does Russell lose his $5.97 million?
Russell’s expiring 2026-27 salary was fully guaranteed at approximately $5.97 million, Hoops Rumors reported. Waiving him does not cancel that protection. Hoops Rumors
Guaranteed pay owed to a waived player remains part of the team’s salary-cap calculation. If Russell clears waivers and subsequently signs elsewhere, the CBA’s set-off provision can reduce Memphis’ obligation by a portion of his new earnings; a new signing does not automatically erase the old salary dollar for dollar. NBA salary-accounting guide
The CBA allows teams to spread certain waived salaries across additional seasons through the stretch provision. But choosing to use it between September and June leaves the current season’s charge unchanged. Russell has no later contract season to stretch, so Memphis cannot spread this final-year charge into future seasons through that mechanism. Collective bargaining agreement, Article VII, Section 7(d)(6)
How another team can sign him
The NBA’s waiver period lasts 48 hours. NBA waiver rules During that window, an eligible team can claim Russell and assume his existing contract, including the remaining salary obligation. If he goes unclaimed, he becomes a free agent who can negotiate a new deal. Larry Coon’s waiver explanation
A claim means taking on approximately $5.97 million; signing him after he clears waivers allows a separately negotiated salary, potentially a minimum deal. A team willing to offer a minimum contract may not be willing to assume his existing salary.
Russell hopes to join a playoff contender, according to Brett Siegel’s reporting cited by Hoops Wire. His recent shooting gives interested teams a reason to keep expectations modest: he averaged 10.2 points in 26 Dallas appearances last season, shooting 40.5% overall and 29.5% from three. Hoops Wire
A cheaper contract would reduce a new team’s financial commitment. It would still need to decide whether Russell can earn minutes in its rotation.