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Russell’s departure follows a tumultuous period of movement for the guard, who has been involved in multiple trades over the past year. After beginning the previous season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he recorded averages of 10.2 points and 4.0 assists across 26 appearances, he was traded to the Washington Wizards in February as part of the deal involving Anthony Davis. His time in Washington was short-lived, as he was subsequently moved to Memphis during a complex six-team trade earlier this summer.
Grizzlies pivot to youth with Brendan Hausen signing
In a direct response to the roster vacancy created by Russell's release, the Grizzlies have moved to bolster their backcourt depth by signing undrafted guard Brendan Hausen. The newcomer joins the Memphis organization following a four-year collegiate career split between Kansas State and Iowa.
The decision to move on from Russell marks a significant shift for the veteran, who had previously enjoyed a productive 2023-24 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers. During that season, he posted solid numbers, averaging 18 points and five assists per game. However, his recent history has been defined by frequent roster changes, having been traded multiple times since his departure from Los Angeles.
With the regular season now just one month away, the Grizzlies are clearly looking to reshape their squad composition. While Russell enters the open market seeking a new opportunity, the focus in Memphis now shifts to integrating Hausen into the rotation as the team prepares for the challenges of the new season.
