D’Angelo Russell is no longer an NBA player. Memphis cut him loose in late August 2025 and the former Lakers star has a new team. Shanghai Sharks confirmed the signing. The move is classic NBA to CBA economics for a mid-tier veteran guard.
Quick Summary
The Grizzlies waived veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell after a buyout cleared his contract. Free agency followed fast. Former Lakers star D’Angelo Russell has a new team: Shanghai Sharks. D’Angelo Russell lands contract in Chinese Basketball Association after Grizzlies release. The deal is reported as a short-term, high-net-pay arrangement with tax-free structure and heavy marketing upside.
Key facts: Grizzlies waive veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell
ESPN reported the waiver on August 26, 2025. Memphis decided to move on after one season. The buyout saved cap space and gave Russell immediate freedom. He was 28, coming off a 12.4 points per game season, and the market for combo guards was thin.
Former Lakers star D’Angelo Russell has a new team: Shanghai Sharks
Shanghai announced the signing within days. BasketNews confirmed D’Angelo Russell signs with Shanghai Sharks. The club needed a veteran playmaker after losing its primary import. Russell fits the profile: scoring, pick-and-roll experience, and brand recognition in Asia.
D’Angelo Russell lands contract in Chinese Basketball Association after Grizzlies release
This is not a retirement tour. It is a financial and role reset. CBA teams pay imports tax-free and bundle housing, cars, and endorsements. For a player waived by Memphis, that package beats a veteran minimum and limited minutes in the NBA.
Timeline of the Move
Grizzlies waive D’Angelo Russell: ESPN report and contract buyout details
Memphis waived Russell to avoid guaranteed money. The buyout was agreed quickly. The timing opened the CBA window before the league’s import registration deadline.
Free agency window and CBA signing period
Russell hit the market in late August. CBA teams finalize imports in September. Shanghai moved fast to lock him before rival clubs entered the bidding.
Official announcement from Shanghai Sharks and BasketNews confirmation
The Sharks posted the news on official channels. BasketNews cited club sources confirming a one-year deal with an option. No official salary was disclosed, as is standard in China.
Contract and Salary Breakdown
Reported CBA salary range and tax-free structure
Shanghai is paying in the top foreign tier. Reports point to $3 to $4.5 million gross for the season, tax-free. That is normal for a former All-Star level import. The contract includes housing, private transport, and performance bonuses.
Comparison to previous NBA salary and mid-level exception value
Russell was on a descending deal with Memphis. His 2024-25 NBA salary was around $12.8 million. The NBA number looks bigger on paper. After federal tax, state tax, and agent fees, net drops sharply.
| Item | NBA 2024-25 | CBA 2025-26 Estimated |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $12.8M | $3.5M |
| Tax Treatment | ~45-50% effective | 0% income tax, tax-free |
| Agent Fee | 3-4% | 3-4% |
| Estimated Net Take Home | $6.5-7M | $3.3-3.4M |
| Role / Minutes | Bench / 24 mpg | Star / 35+ mpg |
Real net income: China tax, housing, endorsement and image rights
Net income in China can rival an NBA minimum after taxes. The tax-free salary is the headline. Add housing in Shanghai, brand deals with local sponsors, and image rights payments. The total compensation package often exceeds $4 million net equivalent.
Why NBA Players Move to CBA After Waiver
Core pain point 1: Limited NBA market for 28-32 year old combo guards
Teams want cheap youth or proven stars. Russell sits in the middle. He is good, but not a max player. The market was two-way deals and minimums.
Core pain point 2: Salary security vs NBA minimum and two-way deals
An NBA minimum for a veteran is $3.3 million, taxed heavily. A CBA deal guarantees the money upfront, no competition for minutes.
Core pain point 3: Playing time, role, and brand exposure in Asia
Shanghai will build around him. He gets first option, pick-and-roll reps, and media exposure. That matters for a career extension and future coaching or media roles.
CBA foreign player rules and Shanghai Sharks roster need
CBA allows two foreign players per game. Shanghai needed a ball-handler after its previous import left. Russell fills the exact gap.
Real Earnings Logic for NBA Mid-Tier Players in China
Gross salary vs net take home in CBA
回到成本问题上. The key is after-tax cash. US taxes eat nearly half. China’s tax-free structure flips the math.
Endorsement and marketing opportunities in Shanghai
Shanghai is a commercial hub. Local brands pay for appearances. Russell’s Lakers pedigree sells jerseys. That adds six to seven figures off-court.
Cost of living, lifestyle and career extension factors
Lifestyle is managed by the club. Low cost of living relative to income. Fewer back-to-backs. Longer career runway.
Impact on Shanghai Sharks and CBA League
On-court value: scoring, playmaking and leadership
Russell averages career 17 points and 6 assists. He can run an offense and create for others. That lifts Shanghai’s playoff chances.
Commercial value: ticket sales, media attention and international profile
The signing generated immediate buzz. CBA gets another NBA name. Shanghai gets social media traffic.
How Russell compares to previous NBA stars in CBA
He joins a list of former NBA guards who found success in China. The pattern is consistent: high usage, better stats, strong earnings.
Fan and Media Reactions
NBA fan reaction to former Lakers star joining CBA
Shock mixed with understanding. Fans remember his Lakers run. The waiver felt abrupt. The China move feels pragmatic.
Chinese media coverage and expectations
Local outlets frame it as a major signing. Expectation is 30+ points per game. Pressure is high.
Grizzlies perspective on the waiver decision
Memphis wanted flexibility and youth. The move was financial, not personal.
NBA to CBA Case Studies Comparison
Similar moves by former NBA guards and forwards
Players like Jimmer Fredette, Jeremy Lin, and Aaron Jackson have thrived in China after NBA exits. The earnings and role bump is real.
Salary benchmarks and career outcomes
Top CBA imports earn $2-5 million tax-free. Career outcomes vary, but most return to the NBA or stay as league stars.
Future Outlook for D’Angelo Russell
Performance targets for Shanghai Sharks 2025-26 season
25-30 points, 7 assists, playoff push. If he delivers, the option gets picked up.
Path back to NBA vs long-term CBA stay
A strong season keeps the door open. NBA teams watch film. A poor season closes it.
Contract options and buyout clauses
Most CBA deals include an NBA out clause in January or February. That gives Russell an escape hatch if a contender calls.
FAQ
How much will D’Angelo Russell make in CBA?
Estimated $3 to $4.5 million tax-free for one season, plus endorsements and housing. Net value is higher than an NBA minimum after tax.
Why was D’Angelo Russell waived by Memphis Grizzlies?
Fit and cap flexibility. Memphis wanted to reset its backcourt and save money. The buyout was mutual.
Is CBA salary better than NBA minimum for veteran players?
Often yes on a net basis. The tax-free structure and perks close the gap with a much lower gross number.
Can D’Angelo Russell return to NBA after playing in China?
Yes. Many players return. Performance and timing matter. A buyout clause helps.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did the Memphis Grizzlies waive D’Angelo Russell?
- A: Memphis waived Russell on August 26, 2025 to clear cap space after one season. He averaged 12.4 points per game and the market for combo guards was thin, making a buyout mutually beneficial.
- Q: Which team did D’Angelo Russell sign with after leaving the NBA?
- A: D’Angelo Russell signed with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association shortly after his buyout, confirmed by the club and BasketNews.
- Q: Is a CBA contract more lucrative than an NBA minimum deal for veterans like Russell?
- A: Yes for net pay. CBA import deals are typically tax-free with heavy marketing bonuses, allowing mid-tier NBA veterans to earn higher take-home pay than a minimum NBA salary in a reduced role.
- Q: What makes D’Angelo Russell a good fit for the CBA?
- A: He offers veteran playmaking, pick-and-roll scoring, and strong brand recognition in Asia, exactly what Shanghai needed after losing its primary import.
Extended Reading
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Key source coverage: BasketNews confirms D’Angelo Russell signs with Shanghai Sharks. ESPN reports Grizzlies waive veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell. Bleacher Report notes D’Angelo Russell lands contract in Chinese Basketball Association after Grizzlies release.