Mavericks Linked To D’Angelo Russell, Malcolm Brogdon

The Dallas Mavericks need someone to run the offense while they wait for Kyrie Irving to return from a torn ACL. That may not be until January, or beyond.

And it appears the Mavericks prefer a veteran point guard who can keep things churning alongside Anthony Davis and presumed No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Names to keep an eye on, per ESPN’s Shams Charania: Free agents D’Angelo Russell (Brooklyn Nets) and Malcolm Brogdon (Washington Wizards).

As for Irving, he’s about to opt out of his current contract and sign a three-year contract extension. His new deal will allow Dallas to use the mid-level exception to bring in a free agent.

“They need to find in a point guard that they can bring in that can play as a starter while Kyrie Irving is out,” Charania told Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter. “I’m told two names to keep an eye on there: D’Angelo Russell and Malcom Brogdon. … We’ll see what they do over the next couple weeks.”

Russell, 29, played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Nets this past season. He averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 39.0% from the field, 31.4% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line. 

Russell has played for the Lakers (twice), Nets (twice), Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. He was the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and carries career averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists. 

Brogdon, 32, played in 24 games for the Washington Wizards this season. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 88.0% from the free-throw line. 

Brogdon has played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers and Wizards. He won the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year Award with the Bucks and the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Celtics. 

Ashish Mathur contributed to this report.

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