Mavericks already fall into D'Angelo Russell's trap if new rumors are true

The Dallas Mavericks had one of the loudest starts to the NBA offseason among any team in the NBA. It began with a stroke of lottery luck, landing the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Cooper Flagg, a franchise-changing prospect who honestly gives Dallas its first true two-way wing star since prime Michael Finley or Josh Howard. But while the Flagg era is underway, the Mavericks have signed D'Angelo Russell, making another headline move that’s drawn some skepticism.

During their point guard search in free agency, Dallas had Russell ahead of Chris Paul on their free agent board, viewing him not just as a stopgap while Kyrie Irving recovers from his ACL tear, but as someone who has gelled next to Anthony Davis in the past. A minor concern in Russell’s history is his failure to elevate the teams and players around him.

If this report about Dallas wanting Russell more than Paul from earlier this offseason is true, the Mavericks may have already stepped into the same trap that’s followed Russell for most of his career: betting on his talent over his impact.

Mavericks clearly overrated D'Angelo Russell in free agency

D’Angelo Russell is a skilled scorer and playmaker who has flashed brilliance at times during his 10-year career. But over his career, he’s also earned a reputation as a player who doesn’t consistently elevate his teams when it matters most. From stints in Brooklyn to Golden State, Minnesota, and Los Angeles, Russell has often struggled to impact winning in a meaningful way, especially in high-pressure playoff situations.

Meanwhile, Chris Paul, despite being 40 years old, played all 82 games last season and remains one of the most effective floor generals in the league. In his recent seasons, Paul has demonstrated an ability to control tempo, make clutch plays, and provide veteran leadership qualities that could’ve been invaluable to a Mavericks team looking for stability during Irving's absence.

The decision to sign Russell over Paul reflects a strategic bet by Dallas and Nico Harrison. They are banking on Russell’s upside and fit with Davis rather than Paul’s proven track record of impact and leadership.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the Mavericks will learn whether this gamble pays off.

Can Russell finally escape the trap that has caught him before and thrive next to Anthony Davis? Or will Chris Paul’s steady hand be the missed opportunity that haunts Dallas in tight playoff moments?

Both Paul and Russell both bring plenty of positives to the floor, and Mavericks fans will be praying that Russell is able to elevate his game in big moments, take care of the ball, and shoot with effeciency from downtown. He should be in a great spot to do all of these things, but the decision to value him more than Paul is a bit controversial to say the least.

Whether Russell proves to be the right call or not, Dallas has tied part of its season’s hopes to him. If it works, they look smart. If it doesn’t, they’ll have walked right into the Russell trap.