Mavericks are flirting with a D'Angelo Russell disaster if new rumors are true

The Dallas Mavericks continue to search for a backup point guard, as Kyrie Irving continues to rehab his ACL injury. One possible option was recently traded. Recently, the Utah Jazz sent Collin Sexton and a 2031 2nd Round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic. This is a trade Dallas could have easily jumped on, as the Mavs had the tools to obtain Sexton.

However, now with Sexton out of the picture, Dallas must scramble for a different answer. This is where D'Angelo Russell comes in. It has been reported that the Mavs are the favorites to sign Russell in free agency, and according to NBA insider Marc Stein, it is expected that they will sign him to a two-year deal (subscription required) for around $12 million later today. They seem to have the best odds of winning the Russell sweepstakes among any team in the league. But be cautious, Mavs fans, this is something that could come with a price.

For example, if Dallas were to sign Russell, it could mean the end for a current fan-favorite. Dante Exum is a free agent, and it's possible the team could lose him if they were to bring in Russell. If the Mavs were to bring in any backup guard in free agency like Russell, they would be nearing the limit on roster space. Simply, there would be no room for Exum.

Signing D'Angelo Russell comes with undeniable risks

Exum, though, is just one example of why signing Russell with the mid-level exception is a bad idea. For starters, Russell has a history of inconsistency, which the Mavs should take with caution. If Dallas were to sign him, this would be Russell's fifth team over the past 10 years. Technically, seventh if you count his two stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.

Russell has been traded five times since coming into the league. Most recently, last season, the Lakers traded him back to the Brooklyn Nets for three second-round picks and two players. This is something the Mavs should be wary of, as his inability to stay in one spot could mean problems. Dallas needs someone with more stability as they begin the Cooper Flagg era.

Although it's unclear why Russell has been traded so many times, Lakers coach JJ Reddick has spoken on Russell's issues in the past. Last season, Redick benched Russell early in the season. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Russell struggled heavily. Defensively, he became a liability, struggling to contain his man and letting scorers run right past him.

On the offensive side, Russell went 4-12 from the field and shot 22.2 percent from the 3-point line. He struggled to get anything going, forcing Reddick to bench him. He played a low 22 minutes that game and was forced to ride the bench the rest of the way.

Reddick further explained his decision to bench Russell. It seems the idea had more to do with his style of play.

"Attention to detail. Some of the things we've talked with him about for a couple of weeks," Reddick said.

He further explained that Russell was "reverting to back to certain habits."

Take this however you want, but it's clear Russell did not meet Redick's expectations. This should be enough reason for Dallas to be cautious with him. Remember, Mavs fans also dealt with Spencer Dinwiddie's inconsistency and questionable style of play at times, something that may have forced him out the door. So, you don't want a repeat of that situation.

If that isn't enough, Russell has a history of struggling in the playoffs. Two years ago, he struggled for the Lakers in their opening round against the Denver Nuggets. In Game 1, Russell went 1-9 from 3-point range and shot 30 percent overall. His issues reappeared in Game 3 when he went 0-7 from the field. So, again, the Mavs want some consistency, and it seems Russell isn't that guy.

Signing Russell to the mid-level exception is a big risk. Dallas is trusting him to run the offense until January or February at best. This is a lot to ask, knowing his history of failing to meet expectations. Not to mention, Dallas could sign a more stable veteran with two-way capabilities.

Dallas had other options, such as trading for Lonzo Ball, but that dream fell through when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ball would have been a perfect candidate to trade for, as he is a two-way player who would have easily fit the team's new system.

The Mavs, however, could still use their mid-level exception to go after someone like Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon. Both players are viable options and key veterans who easily make a difference. They are more feasible and consistent options for the team. Paul and Brogdon can easily create more opportunities for Dallas and help make Flagg's transition to the NBA an easy one.

Although these are all other alternatives, Dallas seems like the easy favorite to sign D'Angelo Russell, and the move will likely happen right as free agency opens. As mentioned, this is a risky move that comes with a ton of baggage. The team needs a more consistent veteran who can rotate with Irving once he returns. So, until then, Mavs fans have to wait until the start of free agency to see what the team's true plans are.