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Former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. lands with Mavericks
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- Former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. lands with Mavericks
Walter Clayton Jr. did not stay on the NBA market for long.
The former Florida star agreed to a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania said, just two days after the Memphis Grizzlies waived him while finalizing their opening-night roster.
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Clayton cleared waivers before landing with Dallas, giving the 2025 first-round pick another opportunity after an eventful rookie with the Utah Jazz. He appeared in 69 games, including six starts, and averaged 7.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game.
The No. 18 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Clayton began his career with Utah before Memphis acquired him in February as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. Clayton's production increased after the move, averaging 9.7 points and 5.7 assists in 24 games with the Grizzlies.
A Florida connection is also waiting for Clayton in Dallas. Mavericks head coach Dusty May spent three seasons as an assistant with the Gators from 2015-18 before eventually becoming the head coach at Florida Atlantic and Michigan. Dallas hired May in June after he led Michigan to the 2026 national championship; the two never crossed paths at the collegiate level, however.
Clayton remains one of the most decorated players in Florida basketball history. He helped lead the Gators to the 2025 national championship and earned NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors after averaging 18.3 points during his final college season.
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The two-way deal gives Clayton an immediate path back into an NBA organization after Memphis moved on from him during its final roster cuts.
Feb 6, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) scores a basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Feb 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) handles the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
(Soobum Im, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Feb 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) lays up a shot defended by Portland Trail Blazers guard Sidy Cissoko (91) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
(Soobum Im, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Feb 23, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) passes the ball as Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) and guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Feb 27, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reaches in against Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
(Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 4, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) shoots during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 25, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket past Chicago Bulls center Lachlan Olbrich (47) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 30, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 5, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) brings the ball up the court against Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
(Michael McLoone, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Isaiah J. Downing, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) dribbles as Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Colin Castleton (14) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Feb 6, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) scores a basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Feb 6, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) scores a basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
(Troy Wayrynen, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Feb 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) handles the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
(Soobum Im, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Feb 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) lays up a shot defended by Portland Trail Blazers guard Sidy Cissoko (91) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
(Soobum Im, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Feb 23, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) passes the ball as Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) and guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Feb 27, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reaches in against Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
(Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 4, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. lands with Mavericks
Mar 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 20, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) shoots during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 25, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket past Chicago Bulls center Lachlan Olbrich (47) during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Mar 30, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) shoots as Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Apr 5, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) brings the ball up the court against Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
(Michael McLoone, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
(Isaiah J. Downing, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Former Gator Walter Clayton Jr. waived by Memphis Grizzlies
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) dribbles as Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Walter Clayton Jr.'s Memphis Grizzlies tenure
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Colin Castleton (14) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. lands with Mavericks
