Mavericks Intend to Sign Walter Clayton Jr.

Dallas looks to fill an open Two-Way roster spot after the Memphis Grizzlies waived the guard.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Mavericks Intend to Sign Walter Clayton Jr.

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The Dallas Mavericks plan to sign Walter Clayton Jr. once he clears waivers, following his release by the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Dallas currently has one open Two-Way roster spot available to accommodate the move.

Why it matters

The signing reunites Clayton with Dusty May, building on a professional relationship established during May's previous recruitment efforts at Michigan.

Clayton was the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft and appeared in 69 games last season. He averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 20.4 minutes per game.

The players

Walter Clayton Jr.

He is a professional basketball player who previously played for the University of Florida before being selected 18th overall in the 2025 NBA draft.

Dallas Mavericks

This professional basketball team competes in the Western Conference of the NBA and is based in Dallas.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team that competes in the Western Conference of the NBA.

Dusty May

He is a basketball coach who previously held recruitment roles at the University of Michigan.

The details

Clayton, a former standout at the University of Florida, joins the Mavericks after playing out the prior season with Memphis. Dallas aims to integrate his skillset into their rotation by utilizing their final remaining two-way contract opening.

Walter Clayton Jr. was selected 18th overall in the 2025 NBA draft.
The Memphis Grizzlies waived Walter Clayton Jr. on October 19, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This acquisition fits within the framework of the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement two-way contract regulations governing roster flexibility. The addition shifts the Mavericks' bench depth as they aim to optimize their roster under established league salary and slot constraints.

The addition fills the Mavericks' final remaining Two-Way roster spot, ending the team's immediate search for depth at the guard position. Clayton's previous output of 4.0 assists per game offers a specific playmaking profile that may impact rotation decisions during the current season.

The takeaway

The Mavericks are prioritizing proven draft talent to bolster their bench depth mid-season. By leveraging existing professional relationships, the organization hopes to integrate new players quickly into their established system.