With free agency set to open tomorrow, the Dallas Mavericks took care of one of the easier decisions on their board: they picked up Ryan Nembhard’s $2.2 million team option for next season. That keeps the 23-year-old guard under contract through the end of the 2026-27 season instead of letting him reach free agency.
It was the kind of move that makes sense on its face. Nembhard gave Dallas real value as a rookie, and the Mavericks now get to keep a player who already carved out a meaningful role. For Cooper Flagg, it also means one more season with the guard who became his rookie running mate.
Nembhard’s first year in Dallas was productive across the board. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists per game, appeared in 60 games and made 27 starts. His performance was strong enough that the Mavericks converted his two-way deal into a standard contract, a clear sign of how much trust he earned.
What made his rise stand out even more was the path he took to get there. Nemby went from going undrafted to starting in nearly 30 games, and a big part of that leap came from the way he meshed with Flagg.
The connection between the two showed up quickly after they joined the Mavericks last year and stayed intact through the end of the season. Their bond was visible both on the floor and away from it, and they helped set the tone during NBA Summer League with a few strong performances.
Flagg drew plenty of attention, as expected, but Nembhard also showed he could contribute right away. He hit important shots, handled the ball well and kept the offense moving.
Still, what really separated him was the way he worked alongside Flagg. The former Gonzaga Bulldog seemed to have a feel for where Flagg would be, and his passing touch and ability to push the pace made the pairing fit naturally.
Dallas’ season did not unfold the way it wanted. The Mavericks lost 56 games and missed the NBA Playoffs for the third time in four years. Even so, Nembhard and Flagg gave the team something to build on.
That’s why keeping Nembhard mattered beyond just next season. The move gives him another chance to show he belongs in Dallas long term, while Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz can continue evaluating how he fits into the team’s future plans.
If Flagg had his way, Nembhard would be around for a long time. At the very least, he gets one more season with the guard who helped form what the source describes as the strongest Mavericks rookie duo since Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.
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