The Dallas Mavericks signed Walter Clayton Jr. earlier this evening, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Charania said that Clayton received a two-way deal from the Mavs.
After getting drafted by Utah, Clayton signed a four-year deal, though only the first two seasons were guaranteed. Clayton made $3.99 million last year and will get $4.19 million this season from the Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) shoots for three during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Photo Credit: Petre Thomas, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Clayton, the No. 18 pick in 2025 , was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday to get down to the league maximum of 15 players.
Clayton was seen as one of the steals of the 2025 draft after the Utah Jazz traded up to select the former Florida Gator star, who was named a 2024-25 All-American and 2025 NCAA Final Most Outstanding Player. The Jazz sent Will Riley , the No. 21 pick in the 2025 draft, Jamir Watkins (the No. 43 pick in 2025) and two future second-round selections.
Due to the Jazz's numerous injuries, Clayton was a major part of the second unit. Clayton was fairly productive for the Jazz, though he struggled with his shot and on defense. However, the Jazz sent him to Memphis as part of the blockbuster Jaren Jackson Jr. trade at February's deadline. He received more run with the Grizzlies and was more productive, though he still struggled with efficiency.
Overall, Clayton averaged 7.8 points, 4.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 20.0 minutes over 78 appearances. Clayton knocked down 1.1 threes a game with shooting splits of 36.6/30.7/86.4. He produced one double-double while scoring in double figures 24 times, topping the 20-point plateau twice.
Clayton continued to struggle to shoot, and turnovers became more frequent during the preseason. Memphis was also facing a roster crunch with 17 players on standard contracts at the start of the preseason and was outplayed by others competing for the final roster spots.
Utah traded up to select Clayton for his elite shot-making ability and scoring versatility he demonstrated at Florida. He was also seen as a winner, as the Gators won the 2025 NCAA national championship and Iona totaled 52 victories in his two campaigns with the Gaels.
However, Clayton wasn't seen as a surefire hit even though he was a late first-round selection — he was originally considered an early second-round prospect. The biggest question mark was whether he could run the point, as he was considered an undersized shooting guard in college at 6-2 and 195 pounds.
Despite being in the NBA, Clayton has shown he can score in bunches and handle the primary ball-handling and facilitating responsibilities. Clayton posted a 30% assist rate with the Grizzlies. He also recorded two games of 10+ dimes and finished with a 4.0-to-1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Clayton excels in pick-and-rolls and can create his own shot. Clayton has a lot of tricks in his offensive bag and possesses a solid mid-range game. The 23-year-old is a high-volume 3-point shooter who needs to improve his 3-point percentage and finish better at the rim. However, it is on the defensive end that the biggest question mark is.
Clayton competes and has shown toughness on the defensive end. He is very active on that end and has demonstrated strong anticipation ability. But his lack of size and length limits his ability to defend nonpoint guards and his lack of lateral quickness limits his ability to guard elite point guards.
Clayton is a low-risk signing as he is on a nonguaranteed minor league deal for Dallas. The Mavericks had an open two-way slot, so they don't need to make a corresponding move. The Mavericks weren't the only team to covet Clayton; Marc Stein reported that the Sacramento Kings were also interested, but He said that Clayton and the Mavs head coach, Dusty May, had a preexisting relationship.
Clayton joins Jett Howard and Tobi Lawal on two-way deals. Dallas also needed more ball handlers, with Marcus Sasser the only true point guard on the Mavs' 18-man roster besides Kyrie Irving . So, expect Clayton to have some early-going opportunities to see if the second-year pro is truly an NBA player. However, he will also likely see time with the G-League Texas Legends, as he needs to continue developing and is limited to 50 NBA games.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
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