Walter Clayton Jr. is already drawing a fresh wave of attention after being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Dallas Mavericks have quickly moved into the conversation as a possible landing spot.
Clayton, a former first-round pick, flashed enough during his rookie run in Memphis to keep teams interested. He averaged 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, and even after his release, several clubs were mentioned as possible suitors. The Sacramento Kings, the Miami Heat, and the Golden State Warriors were all floated at first, but NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Dallas may be the team positioned best to get him if he clears waivers.
“The Mavericks have emerged as a leading contender to land Walter Clayton Jr. when he clears waivers; the Stein Line has learned,” Stein wrote. “The Kings also covet Walter Clayton Jr. after pursuing him via trade over the weekend, but league sources say it is understood now that the former No. 18 overall pick is likely to land in Dallas if he clears waivers.”
There’s a clean fit on paper. Clayton has been praised for his basketball IQ, his poise, and the upside he brings as a floor general. The shot has not come around yet - he hit 38.4% from the field and 30.1% from three-point range - but the free-throw numbers jump off the page at 90.1%, hinting at room for growth.
Dallas could use the help, too. With Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams gone, the Mavericks are looking at a hole in their guard rotation, especially when it comes to a backup playmaker who can steady things. The catch is the roster math.
The Mavericks already have 15 players under standard contract, which means they cannot offer Clayton a regular deal right now. That has pushed attention toward their two-way opening, and Stein pointed out a possible path:
“Dallas currently has a full 15 standard contracts but also an open two-way roster spot after its recent release of John Poulakidas. I’m told Dusty May has a pre-existing relationship with Clayton after recruiting him in college. Clayton must clear waivers Wednesday at 5 PM ET.”
That two-way slot is the key. After cutting John Poulakidas, Dallas has room there, and the connection between Clayton and Dusty May only strengthens the case for a union.
Still, this isn’t a simple one-way decision for Clayton. A two-way deal with Dallas may be the safest option, especially with the chance to eventually move up later in the season. But the Kings could also hold appeal, since they may be able to offer more minutes in light of Ben Simmons’ absence.
For now, the market is narrow and the options are limited. Clayton has enough going for him to deserve a standard contract, but the immediate reality around the league may steer him toward a two-way path - and Dallas is sitting there as a very real possibility.
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For Dallas, the appeal is in the possibility, not the certainty. Clayton is still in the early part of his pro career, but the Mavericks clearly see a chance to develop a guard who can handle some point-guard duties and give the team another option when Irving needs help or rest. To clear the way, the front office made a corresponding roster move, underscoring how small margins can be when a team is trying to shore up its bench. [Read more 🡒]