D’Angelo Russell heads to China after his Grizzlies release, agreeing to join Shanghai Sharks for the 2026-27 CBA season.
D’Angelo Russell Lands New Deal in China
D’Angelo Russell heads to China after his Grizzlies release, agreeing to join Shanghai Sharks for the upcoming season.
The 30-year-old guard has reportedly agreed to a contract with Shanghai following his departure from Memphis last week.
Russell cleared the NBA waiver process after Memphis waived him before training camp began earlier this month.
The move gives the former NBA All-Star his first professional basketball experience outside the United States.
Shanghai Sharks Secure Experienced NBA Guard
Shanghai will add Russell after his 11-season NBA career produced 655 regular-season appearances across five different teams.
The former No. 2 overall draft selection earned his lone All-Star appearance during the 2018-19 season with Brooklyn.
His NBA career included stops with Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Golden State, Minnesota, and Dallas during those eleven seasons.
Russell finished his NBA career with averages of 17.0 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Why D’Angelo Russell Left Memphis
Memphis waived Russell on September 25 while trimming its roster before the beginning of training camp.
The Grizzlies acquired Russell during July’s six-team trade involving Washington and several other NBA franchises.
However, Russell never appeared for Memphis before the organization released him ahead of training camp.
Memphis subsequently signed undrafted guard Brendan Hausen after completing Russell’s release from the roster.
Russell’s Final NBA Season
Russell played 26 games for Dallas last season before moving through Washington and eventually reaching Memphis.
During those Dallas appearances, he averaged 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds across 19 minutes.
His production marked a quieter stretch compared with the All-Star campaign that established his strongest NBA profile.
What Shanghai Gains With Russell
Russell brings extensive NBA experience and established playmaking skills to Shanghai ahead of its upcoming campaign.
The veteran guard should provide another experienced creator for a team preparing for the 2026-27 CBA season.
His arrival also adds an established American basketball name to China’s domestic professional league this season.
For Russell, the move creates an opportunity to continue his career while entering an entirely different basketball environment.
A New Chapter Begins for Russell
Russell’s move to Shanghai follows a rapid series of NBA transactions during an unusually eventful offseason.
After exercising his player option, Washington later moved him to Memphis through July’s complicated trade involving multiple teams.
Memphis then waived him before he played a single game, leaving Russell available for opportunities elsewhere.
Now, Shanghai offers Russell a fresh setting and a chance to build another chapter beyond his established NBA career.
The agreement reportedly covers the 2026-27 CBA season, although financial terms have not been publicly detailed.
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