Mavericks emerge as leading contender to sign Walter Clayton Jr.

October 20, 2026

The Mavericks could be the next stop for Walter Clayton Jr., provided the former first-round pick clears waivers.

Dallas has emerged as “a leading contender” to sign Clayton following his release by the Grizzlies, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The Mavericks have an open two-way spot after waiving John Poulakidas, giving them a way to add the guard without changing their 15-man standard roster.

Clayton is scheduled to clear waivers Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET. Until then, another team could claim his existing contract.

There’s already a connection in Dallas. Stein reports that coach Dusty May recruited Clayton in college, giving the Mavericks some familiarity with a player who helped lead Florida to the 2025 national championship.

The Kings are also interested, per Stein, after exploring a trade for Clayton before Memphis waived him Monday. Sacramento needs additional playmaking following Ben Simmons’ season-ending Achilles injury, though Stein’s reporting points toward Dallas if Clayton reaches free agency.

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Clayton, 23, was the No. 18 pick in the 2025 draft and began his NBA career with the Jazz. Utah sent him to Memphis in February as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade.

His rookie season produced mixed results. Clayton averaged 7.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 69 games, shooting 38.4% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range. The Grizzlies ultimately waived him while trimming their standard roster from 17 players to 15.

Still, he’s only one season removed from being one of college basketball’s best guards. Clayton averaged 18.3 points as a Florida senior and earned the NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award during the Gators’ title run.

For Dallas, a two-way deal would offer a chance to develop a recent first-rounder without using a standard roster spot. First, Clayton has to make it through waivers.