American reporter: The Mavericks may sign former Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein on Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks are considered the top favorite to sign Walter Clayton Jr.

The 23-year-old Clayton Jr. is a 6'6" combo guard weighing 88kg. He will enter the NBA in July 2025 as the 18th overall pick in the first round. He initially played for the Utah Jazz and was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in February of this year as part of the trade for Jaren Jackson Jr., along with Kyle Anderson, Tyler Hendrix, and others.

According to ESPN statistics, Clayton Jr. played 45 regular season games for the Jazz in his rookie season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 18.0 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 39.8% and a three-point percentage of 30.8%. After joining the Grizzlies, he played a total of 24 regular season games, averaging 9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 25.0 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 36.6% and a three-point percentage of 30.7%.

In order to streamline the roster, the Grizzlies waived Clayton Jr. on Monday. After a 48-hour waiver period, Clayton Jr. will officially become a free agent.

Despite previous interest from the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors, Clayton is currently the most likely candidate to join the Dallas Mavericks. If all goes well, Clayton will share one of the Mavericks' three two-way contract roster spots with Jett Howard and Toby LaVar.

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