The Dallas Mavericks logo.
Getty
The Dallas Mavericks logo.
Not even one day after cutting ties with Tyus Jones, the Dallas Mavericks have made their final decision on a follow-up move.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Mavericks are going to sign the rookie guard Ryan Nembhard to a standard deal.
The Mavericks are converting rookie guard Ryan Nembhard to a two-year deal on a standard NBA contract that includes a team option for the 2026-27 season, league sources tell @TheSteinLine.
Waiving Tyus Jones created the roster spot the long-anticipated Nembhard conversion. https://t.co/EWtLOn5Wqe
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 28, 2026
Leading up to the end of February, Nembhard has been playing on a two-way deal. Per Stein’s report, the rookie will ink a two-year contract with the Mavericks, filling Tyus Jones’ roster spot.
Nembhard, a 22-year-old point guard, is an undrafted prospect out of Gonzaga. He spent two seasons at Gonzaga, averaging 10.5 points and 9.8 assists per game during his fourth and final NCAA season.
Prior to his run at Gonzaga, he spent two seasons at Creighton.
Ryan Nembhard and Cooper Flagg
GettyDallas Mavericks rookie Ryan Nembhard has earned a standard contract on Saturday.
After going undrafted last June, Nembhard quickly signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks. He spent the entire 2025-2026 NBA season developing with the program before ultimately earning his bump to a standard deal.
This year, Nembhard has appeared in 38 games. He even collected 17 starts, seeing the court for 18.8 minutes per game. Nembhard has shot 42% from the field and knocked down 37% of his threes to average 6.7 points per game.
The rookie has also produced 4.9 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.
While Nembhard hasn’t played at the G League level much (five games during the regular season), he expectedly starred at the developmental level.
Seeing the court for 36.8 minutes per game, Nembhard shot 43% from the field, averaging 22.4 points per game.
Beyond his scoring, the rookie came down with 4.6 rebounds, while racking up a double-double with 10.6 assists per game.
With the Mavericks struggling to put together a playoff-caliber year, their situation has gifted young prospects an opportunity to earn some playing time that they wouldn’t typically get in a more competitive situation.
Nembhard has clearly benefited from the state of the Mavs, who are 21-38 on the year. They suffered a blowout 124-105 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 27.
This season has been somewhat shocking for the Mavs. They were viewed as potential playoff contenders leading up to the start of 2025-2026. While they looked competitive with a healthy Anthony Davis, the veteran center proved he couldn’t stay on the floor.
More Mavs News: Mavericks Make Sudden Roster Decision on 11-Year NBA Veteran
Eventually, the Mavericks opted to make major changes. Davis was traded to the Washington Wizards in a clear rebuilding move. While it might not have been an ideal run for Dallas, the organization has been able to get a strong look at some younger players, and that works out for the young Nembhard
Now that he’s locked in with a standard deal, he’ll get some more time to showcase himself at the main level. The Mavericks will have a contract decision to make on Nembhard in the offseason, as his brand-new two-year deal carries a team option for the 2026-2027 NBA season.
Next up, the Mavericks are set to take on the champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at home. The game is slated for an 8 PM ET tip in Dallas, Texas.