​A former Ohio State basketball standout has become part of a high-profile NBA trade that unfolded on Tuesday. D’Angelo Russell was included in a complex deal that will see him move to the Memphis Grizzlies, along with a future second-round pick and a second-round pick swap. Russell was just one piece in a larger exchange involving the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Wizards.
In this series of moves, the Washington Wizards acquired Khris Middleton through a sign-and-trade and handed him a three-year, $17.6 million contract. Russell began the 2026-27 season after exercising a $5 million player option. Prior to the 2025-26 season, he signed a two-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks worth $13 million. He appeared in 26 games for Dallas, averaging 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. He was subsequently dealt to the Washington Wizards in the blockbuster deal that also included the addition of Anthony Davis, although Russell did not play in any Wizards games.
The Memphis Grizzlies may be entering a significant rebuild after trading franchise centerpiece Ja Morant in the offseason, which leaves open the possibility that Russell’s future with Memphis could be uncertain or that both sides may decide it’s wiser to pursue a different path. The 30-year-old former No. 2 overall pick will be embarking on his seventh NBA team in a lengthy career. Across his 12 seasons, he has posted averages of 17.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 36.3 percent from three-point range since entering the league.
For fans following Ohio State coverage, this development adds another chapter to the long-running connection between the program and the pros. The Buckeyes community can keep track of how this transaction affects the broader NBA landscape and what it might mean for the futures of Russell and other affiliated players as the season progresses. To stay current with Ohio State news, notes, and opinion, you can follow BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like their Facebook page. For additional context and ongoing coverage, you can also follow Sonny on X at @thesunnyv. This report originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire under the headline highlighting the former Ohio State basketball star’s involvement in a blockbuster NBA deal.