The NBA is back, and former Florida Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. has earned a new two-way contract.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Clayton Jr. agreed to terms on a deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The 23-year-old was selected No. 18 in the 2025 NBA Draft, though he was recently waived by the Washington Wizards.
After being traded to the Utah Jazz, Clayton Jr. would make his NBA debut on Oct. 8, 2025.
The former Gators star was then included in a massive mid-season trade that saw him head to the Grizzlies, though they waived him earlier in the week.
Overall, Clayton Jr. averaged 7.8 points per game in the 2025-26 season, and he now has a chance to prove himself with the Mavericks.
A new opportunity presents itself
Cooper Flagg is fresh off a Rookie of the Year season, and now he has a chance to be paired with a young, hungry guard.
Clayton Jr. suddenly finds himself on the same team as Kyrie Irving, so the 34-year-old should be able to give the former National Champion some guidance.
It's been a bit surprising seeing Clayton Jr. get thrown around so much in the NBA, especially since he isn't too far removed from being named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player in 2025.
Dallas had an abysmal .317 winning percentage a year ago, so it makes sense that they're not only looking to get younger, but also add depth to a team that desperately needs it.
A 26-56 record simply isn't going to cut it, and thankfully for the Mavericks, Clayton Jr. isn't used to losing.
This is a guard who has plenty of accolades in his name, all beginning when he was named First-team All-MAAC and later the MAAC Player of the Year in 2023 at Iona.
Not only is Clayton Jr. a former Gator, but he's also a Florida native. The 2025 SEC Male Athlete of the Year still has a lot to prove in the NBA, and it didn't take the Mavericks long to give him a look.
Clayton Jr. has technically already had to bounce between three teams in his young career, so this contract with Dallas is a massive opportunity for him.
Gators fans should keep an eye on the Texas Legends, the Mavericks G League affiliate, as it may not take long for Clayton Jr. to work his way through the ranks and make his 2026-27 NBA season debut.