D'Angelo Russell leaves NBA, signs with China's Shanghai Sharks

Renowned NBA player D’Angelo Russell has shifted his allegiance to China, signing with the Shanghai Sharks of the China Basketball Association (CBA) following his release from the Memphis Grizzlies, according to the league's announcement on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Russell shared his excitement about the move via a video posted on September 25, which featured his daughter saying "Ni Hao" - a Chinese greeting meaning "hello."

This move was preceded by Russell's teasing of the transition on social media, where he posted a video of his daughter wishing him a warm welcome in Chinese.

The Shanghai Sharks, who clinched their first league title in 25 years last season, are notable for being the team of Yao Ming for the bulk of his career with the franchise between 1997 and 2022. Russell, who was selected as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015, has had a prolific career spanning various teams including the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors, among others.

He was recognized with the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in the 2015-16 season and made the NBA All-Star Game in the 2018-19 season. Russell also played a pivotal role in the 2023 Lakers' NBA Cup victory.

In the 2023-24 season, Russell appeared in just 26 games for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 19 minutes per game and contributing 10.2 points, 4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per contest. The forward was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in July as part of an intricate deal involving six teams and 11 players. Following this trade, Russell did not play a single game for the Grizzlies during the 2024-25 season due to negotiations over a potential buyout, which ultimately did not materialize.

Russell exercised his $6 million player option for the current season before the trade window opened.