# Walter Clayton Jr. Joins Dallas Mavericks

> Dallas Mavericks sign Walter Clayton Jr. to two-way contract after wild rookie season.
- Title: Walter Clayton Jr. Joins Dallas Mavericks | Shortify
- Summary: Dallas Mavericks sign Walter Clayton Jr. to two-way contract after wild rookie season. Dallas Mavericks signed Walter Clayton Jr. to a two-way contract after…
- Keywords: walter clayton jr, dallas mavericks, nba, two-way contract, rookie season, mavericks front office, masai ujiri, mike schmitz, sports, Walter, Clayton, Joins
- Source: Dallas Mavericks On SI — https://si.com/nba/mavericks/onsi/how-walter-clayton-jr-fits-dallas-mavericks-
- Published: 2026-10-21T21:56:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: walter clayton jr, dallas mavericks, nba, two-way contract, rookie season, mavericks front office, masai ujiri, mike schmitz, sports
## Mavericks sign Clayton
Dallas Mavericks signed Walter Clayton Jr. to a two-way contract after his rookie season.
## Clayton's background
Clayton was the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player for leading Florida Gators to national championship in 2025.
## Clayton's journey
Clayton was traded from Washington Wizards to Utah Jazz then to Memphis Grizzlies as part of Jaren Jackson Jr. package.
## Clayton's potential
Clayton shot 38% from deep in college with massive perimeter shots despite being an older prospect.
## Mavericks' strategy
Mavericks opened spot by waiving sharpshooter John Poulakidas.
## Family connection
Dusty May recruited Clayton in college; his son Jack May played with Clayton and is now a video coordinator with Mavericks.
## Clayton's role
Clayton may get playing time when Irving rests and could sign standard contract after trade deadline.
## Mavericks' previous move
Mavericks traded second-round pick and Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta Hawks for Zaccharie Risacher.
## Key takeaway

Dallas Mavericks signed Walter Clayton Jr. to a two-way contract after his rookie season, leveraging his potential as a top-20 draft pick.