As expected, D’Angelo Russell has decided to exercise his player option with the Washington Wizards. Will the 11-year veteran be on the Wizards roster at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign?
What Does D’Angelo Russell Exercising Option Mean For the Wizards Going Forward?
Per source: D’Angelo Russell has opted in to his 2026-27 player option with the Wizards worth $6 million.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 19, 2026
Russell has been a bit of a journeyman the past two seasons. The 30-year-old appeared in 26 games for the Dallas Mavericks this year but was dealt to Washington along with Anthony Davis at the trade deadline. However, Russell stayed away from the Wizards after the trade, and they contemplated releasing him. By opting in, Russell guarantees himself $5.97 million for the upcoming campaign.
Russell is a crafty, offense-oriented lead guard who thrives in pick-and-rolls. Russell is at his best getting to the rim, though he is a solid 3-point shooter and sees the floor well. However, he struggles with shot selection, is not always engaged, and defensively.
How Does D’Angelo Russell Fit With the Wizards?
The simple answer is he doesn’t fit. So, expect the Wizards to trade or waive him. Saying that, Russell may start the season on the roster even if he does not report.
With Russell officially on the roster, Washington has 13 players with a salary cap hit of $125.6 million. Trae Young declined his nearly $49 million, though he is expected to re-sign with the team on a $125 million, three-year contract. If that is the deal Young ultimately takes, the Wizards would have 14 players with a salary cap hit of about $167 million, putting them slightly over the cap threshold.
Justin Champagnie, who has a $2.66 million non-guaranteed deal, should return as he has been a key part of the Wizards’ rotation the past two years. Jamir Watkins, who also has a non-guaranteed deal with a decision upcoming on June 29 ($2.15 million), showed flashes as a scorer in his 50 games with the Wizards this past season.
Washington owns three draft picks in next week’s draft, including the No. 1 overall selection. Speaking of the No. 1 overall pick, AJ Dybantsa should be the slam dunk pick for the Wizards due to his athleticism, versatility, and ability to put pressure on the rim. But the Wiz appear to be enamored with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson as well.
“The Wizards have played their cards close to the vest over the past few weeks, taking their time with the process and evaluating all four candidates atop the draft,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo said. “Washington has narrowed its focus to Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, sources tell me and[Shams] Charania.”
Regardless of whom Washington selects with the top selection, it will have a profound effect on the rest of the roster. The Wizards also own the No. 51 and No. 60 picks in the second round. However, those players will be more developmental, as they figure to get two-way contracts.
What Should the Wizards Do This Offseason
Washington will likely enter July with 15 players, assuming Watkins is still on the team. Young will be the 16th player unless he does a complete 360. Still, the Wizards will have a lot of flexibility, being around $25 million below the tax threshold.
Defense is the Wizards’ biggest area of improvement. Washington, which has won fewer than 20 games in each of the last three campaigns, ranked last on defense, allowing the second-most points at nearly 125 points per game. While Davis will help some on the interior, the Wiz need perimeter defenders, especially with Young’s lack of ability on that end.
Davis, Alex Sarr, and Bilal Coulibaly are the Wizards’ best defenders. Thus, the Wizards should focus their attention on adding a veteran two-way wing, a backup big who is a rim protector, and shooters. Lu Dort (club option), Collin Sexton, Rui Hachimura, Kelly Oubre Jr., John Collins, Moe Wagner, Andre Drummond, and Nick Richards are potential targets.
Washington has some intriguing assets if it were to part ways with some of their youngsters. Coulibaly and Cam Whitmore, who are rookie-scale eligible this summer. Likewise, Jaden Hardy, who showed some promise in his 20 games with the Wizards, is essentially on an expiring contract, with the 2027-28 season a team option.
Bub Carrington, the No. 14 pick in 2024, is also a trade candidate and, along with Coulibaly, would bring the Wizards their best return in a trade. Carrington showed improvement this past season, but he hasn’t shown elite playmaking ability, and with Young expected to be on the roster, the Wiz are looking to sell high. Meanwhile, Coulibaly’s health is a concern, as he hasn’t played in 65 games over his three seasons.
Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
