Fact-Check: Did D'Angelo Russell Leave the NBA to Sign for a European Team?

There has been some uncertainty regarding the future of one-time All-Star D'Angelo Russell. With his future now surrounded by questions, an interesting photo of him has circulated on social media.

That photo features Russell holding a jersey for BC Žalgiris Kaunas, a professional basketball team based in Lithuania. Since the photo has surfaced, some fans have been led to believe that he has signed with the European team.

Despite viral claims, D’Angelo Russell has not signed with BC Žalgiris Kaunas. A photo circulating online shows him holding a jersey for the Lithuanian club, but the image does not mean he has joined the team.

Russell remains under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, and league rules prevent him from signing overseas until he is traded or bought out.

Reports indicate the Grizzlies are exploring trade options this offseason. If no deal materializes, they plan to buy out his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers. Only then could he sign with another NBA team or consider opportunities abroad.

Until that happens, he cannot ink a deal with Žalgiris or any other European club.

There are a few possible reasons why the photo of him holding a Žalgiris Kaunas jersey. The jersey photo likely reflects a recruiting gesture rather than a completed signing. European teams often court NBA players whose contracts may soon expire.

Žalgiris Kaunas, known for targeting guards who can stretch the floor, would see Russell’s scoring and passing as potential assets if he becomes available.

Currently, though, the 2019 All-Star remains with an NBA team and has not signed with any organizations overseas.

D'Angelo Russell Has Not Played Since February

When the Dallas Mavericks traded All-Star Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, Russell was part of the package alongside Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum.

However, he never reported to Washington, choosing to sit out despite being kept on the roster.

This summer, the Wizards moved his contract again in a multi-team deal involving the Mavericks, Bucks, Pistons, Clippers, and Grizzlies. Yet Memphis appears unlikely to use him, focusing instead on trade or buyout scenarios.

Last season, Russell appeared in just 26 games before the trade deadline. He averaged 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, down from his career average of 17.0 points and 5.6 assists per game. While his production dipped, teams in need of backcourt depth may still view the 30-year-old as a viable option.