Mavericks already have a glaring D'Angelo Russell problem on their hands

The Dallas Mavericks have found Kyrie Irving's replacement this season, as players like Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams have stepped up in the all-star's absence. The opposite, though, can be said of D'Angelo Russell, who has struggled to make do with the two-year, $11.7 million contract he signed this offseason.

Remember, Dallas signed the former Los Angeles Laker this past summer in hopes that he could make up for Irving's production. Dallas believed there was a chance Russell could replicate his past production and turn back the clock.

It wasn't too long ago that Russell was playing at a high rate. Two seasons ago, he averaged 18 points per game and 6.3 assists. He also shot 41.5 percent from the 3-point line that season. So, there was a glimpse of hope that Russell could be a productive part of the Mavs' offense and have an impact within the starting unit.

Mavericks could be stuck with Russell long after this year's trade deadline

Russell, though, hasn't lived up to the hype. He has struggled to find playing time, as he has been non-existent the past month. The last time Russell touched the court for Dallas was on January 10, when he played 19 minutes. This was an improvement from his previous role, as he hadn't played over 19 minutes since November.

But it also must be remembered that Jason Kidd was ejected on January 10 against the Chicago Bulls, and the only reason that he played was likely because Mavs assistant coach Frank Vogel coached the majority of that game.

The primary reason for his decrease in minutes can be attributed to his inability to win Kidd's trust. As mentioned, he has only played in one game this month. Even in garbage time, Kidd still hasn't given Russell any ample playing time.

The problem? Russell is either listed as inactive or a DNP-CD for most of January.

So, it's clear he has been completely banished from Kidd's rotation. It's a problem most players don't want to be involved in. Some of his teammates, like Jaden Hardy, have also been in the same boat at certain points.

Russell's two-year, $11.7 million contract that he signed with Dallas once seemed like a steal, but it has quickly become a bad contract. The issue is that he has a player option for next season, meaning Dallas is more than likely stuck with him if they don't trade him at the trade deadline.

This is assumed, Russell stays, which all signs point toward him staying unless he is thrown into a bigger trade. It's a headache Mavs fans can't get rid of. The team is paying for a player who has no value and hardly sees any playing time despite the team needing backcourt help.

Now, it is possible that Dallas could gauge the trade market before the February 5 trade deadline. Obviously, the Mavs want to move on from Russell. Trading him could be one solution. This could be an issue, though, as his value might be too low. This could mean Dallas would be stuck with Russell next season.

If Dallas can't get rid of Russell, signing him will have to be a lesson they learn from. Remember, the team has a history of making bad decisions in the guard market. Before Russell, the Mavericks saw guards like Spencer Dinwiddie and Dante Exum fail to live up to the hype.

So, only time will tell if the Russell dilemma is ever solved. All signs point toward Dallas being stuck with the guard, as they will likely have to endure his contract for another year.