Mavericks are the frontrunners to sign Walter Clayton Jr. once he clears waivers, per Marc Stein

The Dallas Mavericks are considered the frontrunners to sign guard Walter Clayton Jr. if and when he reaches free agency, according to Marc Stein.

Clayton was a casualty of a roster crunch in Memphis. The Grizzlies placed him on waivers Monday as they trimmed their standard roster from 17 to 15 players. Sacramento, Miami and Golden State have all been linked to the 2025 first-round pick, and Stein says the Kings remain interested, but he suggests it is “understood” that Clayton will likely end up in Dallas.

The Mavericks had their own crunch to sort out Monday and waived Dwight Powell, whose minimum-salary contract was only partially guaranteed for $1 million. With a full 15-man standard roster and no other obvious release candidates, they likely do not have a standard spot for Clayton. He is eligible to sign a two-way contract, though, and Dallas has an open two-way slot next to Jett Howard and Tobi Lawal after cutting John Poulakidas on Saturday. Stein previously reported that Seth Lundy was one candidate Dallas was seriously considering for that opening, but Clayton now looks like the favorite.

Clayton helped lead Florida to the national championship as a senior in 2024-25 and was selected 18th overall in the 2025 draft.