The Dallas Mavericks have signed free-agent swingman Dalano Banton, the club announced Monday on X (formerly Twitter).
To clear a roster spot, Dallas released training-camp invitee Matthew Cleveland, whose contract was fully non-guaranteed.
Contract terms for Banton were not disclosed, but league sources expect the deal to be non-guaranteed and to include Exhibit 9 language, with the possibility of an Exhibit 10 attachment.
Background on Banton
Banton, who turns 26 in November, was the 46th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Over four NBA seasons with Toronto, Boston, and Portland, he has appeared in 216 regular-season games. Last season with the Trail Blazers, he played a career-high 67 games and averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 16.7 minutes, shooting 39.1 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from three, and 72.8 percent at the foul line.
This summer, the 6-foot-9 guard reportedly worked out for multiple NBA teams, including the Warriors and Pacers, and also drew interest from overseas clubs.
Path to a Roster Spot
Banton joins the Mavericks a week after training camp opened and is expected to compete with Brandon Williams (who has a $200,000 partial guarantee) and Dennis Smith Jr. (non-guaranteed) for the 15th and final spot on the regular-season roster.
If Banton’s agreement contains an Exhibit 10 clause and he is waived before opening night, he would be eligible to join the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Spending at least 60 days with the Legends could earn him a bonus of up to $85,300 while keeping him in position for a potential NBA call-up.
Source: Hoops Rumors
