Mavericks Bring Back Dante Exum, Add D’Angelo Russell
The Dallas Mavericks are reinforcing their backcourt, re-signing guard Dante Exum to a one-year deal and adding D’Angelo Russell on a two-year, $13 million contract, per ESPN.
Exum, who turns 30 on July 13, has battled injuries throughout his career — including wrist surgery and a broken hand during the 2024 season. Still, he was productive in limited action last year, averaging 8.7 points and 2.8 assists in 20 games (13 starts).
Originally the fifth overall pick in 2014 by Utah, Exum has played for the Jazz, Cavaliers, and overseas before joining Dallas. Across 320 career games (102 starts), he holds career averages of 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Meanwhile, Russell could be asked to start while Kyrie Irving recovers from an ACL tear suffered in March. Russell averaged 11.5 points and 6.1 assists last season between the Lakers and Mavericks and brings stability until Irving’s projected early-2026 return.
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Spencer Dinwiddie Heads to Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets added veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie on a one-year deal, according to ESPN. Dinwiddie, 32, brings leadership and experience to a young Hornets team in transition.
He played 79 games (30 starts) last season for Dallas, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 27 minutes per game. A second-round pick in 2014, Dinwiddie has made stops with Detroit, Brooklyn, Washington, the Lakers, and Dallas — totaling 621 regular-season appearances.
He owns career averages of 13.0 points and 5.1 assists across 10 seasons. His ability to play both guard spots could be key for Charlotte, which is still evaluating its future around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
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roster is set ☀️
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 2, 2025
🔗: https://t.co/DsQk3PsudZ pic.twitter.com/ZjZTxghMim
76ers Sign Efficient Forward Trendon Watford
Philadelphia quietly made a strong value pickup by signing 24-year-old forward Trendon Watford, who posted career-best numbers in Brooklyn last season.
In 44 games (six starts) with the Nets, Watford averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 52.0 percent from the field. He’s one of only five NBA players to hit that shooting threshold with over 210 games played and 650+ field goals made.
Undrafted out of LSU in 2021, Watford began his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and has steadily carved out a reliable rotation role.
Watford could thrive in a second-unit role for Philly — and bettors should keep an eye on his impact in early-season prop markets. Not sure how to capitalize? Start here: how to bet on basketball.
Heat Sign Big Ten Star Vladislav Goldin
The Miami Heat are investing in size, signing 7-foot-1 Russian center Vladislav Goldin to a two-way deal after an impressive collegiate run. Goldin averaged 16.6 points and 7.0 rebounds for Michigan, where he earned All-Big Ten honors and helped the Wolverines reach the Sweet 16.
He was named Big Ten Tournament MVP and a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which honors the nation’s top center.
Previously at Texas Tech and Florida Atlantic, Goldin helped lead FAU to the Final Four in 2023 and adds both rim protection and efficient scoring around the basket.
He could see NBA minutes depending on Miami’s frontcourt health. If you like to bet preseason futures or long shots, study basketball betting options before the lines move.
