The Clippers are turning to the G League for a potential spark, planning to sign 6’8” guard Dalano Banton to a 10-day contract. It’s a low-risk, high-upside move for a team that just cleared out some roster space at the trade deadline and is looking to see if Banton’s recent G League surge can translate to meaningful minutes at the NBA level.
Banton, a Toronto native, was selected 46th overall by the Raptors in the 2021 NBA Draft. He spent two seasons with his hometown team before bouncing around the league with stints in Boston and Portland.
Over four NBA seasons, Banton has appeared in 216 games, averaging 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just under 15 minutes per contest. His shooting splits - .402 from the field, .304 from deep, and .728 at the line - reflect a player still trying to find his rhythm at the highest level.
What’s always made Banton intriguing is his size and versatility. At 6’8”, he brings positional flexibility to the backcourt, capable of guarding multiple positions and initiating offense. But consistency - especially as a shooter - has been the missing piece.
After going unsigned in free agency last summer, Banton landed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Mavericks, only to be waived before the season tipped off. Since then, he’s been suiting up for the Dallas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, and he’s been making the most of it.
In 32 games this season, Banton has posted 24.2 points, 6.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block per game, while shooting .441 from the field, .325 from three, and .821 from the line. Those are strong numbers, especially considering his high usage rate, and they speak to a player who’s stayed locked in and productive despite the NBA door temporarily closing.
The Clippers, who moved several pieces ahead of the trade deadline, had two open roster spots and are clearly looking to see if Banton’s G League momentum can carry over to the big stage. If the deal is finalized before Sunday’s game in Minnesota, Banton’s 10-day contract will run through the All-Star break.
For Banton, this is another shot at sticking in the league. For the Clippers, it’s a chance to evaluate a big, skilled guard who’s been lighting it up in the G League. There’s no guarantee it clicks - but if it does, they might’ve just found a valuable rotation piece without giving up much at all.