Grizzlies, D’Angelo Russell expected to seek buyout or trade

It doesn’t sound as if D’Angelo Russell will spend much time with the Grizzlies.

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Memphis and the veteran guard are expected to pursue either a buyout or another trade this offseason, allowing Russell to continue his career elsewhere.

The move wouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Russell landed with the Grizzlies earlier this month as part of a six-team trade, but he was widely viewed as a salary-matching piece rather than someone expected to play a significant role in Memphis’ long-term plans.

The Grizzlies are in the midst of a youth movement, making Russell, 30, an awkward fit for a team focused on developing younger players.

If a trade can’t be found, a buyout appears to be the most likely outcome.

Russell exercised his $5.97 million player option earlier this offseason, making him the first NBA player to do so this summer. While that salary is relatively modest by league standards, it could complicate efforts to move him before the start of training camp.

The former All-Star is coming off another difficult season.

After signing with the Mavericks last summer, Russell struggled to carve out a consistent role, averaging 10.2 points and 4.0 assists in 26 games.

He was later included in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Wizards, though he never reported to Washington and sat out the remainder of the season.

Now, it appears another move could be on the horizon before he ever suits up for the Grizzlies.