Dennis Smith Jr. Agrees to Non-Guaranteed Mavericks Deal, Faces Uphill Battle for Roster Spot

Dennis Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Dallas Mavericks, marking a potential return to the team that drafted him in 2017. Despite the agreement, Smith faces a challenging path to secure a roster spot, as the Mavericks currently have a full 15-player roster. The seven-year NBA veteran, who sat out the 2024-25 season, will need to outperform existing players, likely Brandon Williams, for the third point guard position. Dallas's point guard depth chart includes D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum, with Williams holding a non-fully guaranteed deal. Smith previously averaged 8.8 points and 4.8 assists for Charlotte in the 2022-23 season and played for Brooklyn in 2023-24. His return to Dallas offers a chance, but earning a spot will be tough.