Mavericks sign former first-rounder, ex-Grizzlies and Jazz combo-guard after waiving Dwight Powell image
While free agency takes place during the summer, the first week of the regular season is another period when smaller roster moves tend to happen. Players who are waived by their teams have opportunities to sign elsewhere and continue their careers.
One player waived on Monday before the deadline was former Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. Memphis released Clayton along with another former second-round pick.
“The Memphis Grizzlies are waiving 2025 No. 18 pick Walter Clayton Jr. and former second-round pick Micah Peavy, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday. The moves helped Memphis finalize its roster for the regular season by the 5 p.m. ET cut-down deadline. The Grizzlies entered Monday with 17 players on standard contracts and three more on two-way deals,” ESPN’s Michael C. Wright wrote.
The Dallas Mavericks were quick to respond, seeing potential in Clayton and moving to bring him into the organization. The national champion guard also played college basketball under Dusty May, making the opportunity an intriguing one. The two sides agreed to a deal on Wednesday.
“The Mavericks make it official and have announced that they signed former 2025 first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. to a two-way contract,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote.
To make room for Clayton, Dallas waived veteran center Dwight Powell on Monday. Powell was a beloved member of the organization, and Kyrie Irving spoke about the impact he had on the team.
“He’ll really be missed. He gave a lot to the franchise. Just a consummate professional, good friend of mine, good friend of a bunch of us on the team, past and present. He represented a lot here in the city of Dallas, and he did a lot for us,” Irving said.
For the Mavericks, saying goodbye to Powell is difficult, but the team is also looking for ways to invest in its future. Clayton was a lethal shooter in college, and if he can rediscover that form, he could become a valuable addition to the organization.
Dallas is taking a chance on Clayton, hoping he can develop into a productive NBA player. If Irving is traded for any reason, the Mavericks could have an opportunity to give the combo guard more significant minutes later in the season. After watching Clayton dominate in college, Dallas will hope he can translate his scoring ability and confidence with the ball in his hands to the NBA.
More NBA news:
Warriors attempting to trade Kristaps Porzingis for $108M rim protector with Finals experience
76ers predicted to sign ex-Lakers disappointing first-round pick, former LeBron James teammate