Former Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. signs 2-way deal with new NBA team after Memphis release
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Walter Clayton Jr. has a new team for the new NBA season.
On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks announced that they have signed Clayton to a 2-way deal. Clayton joins the Mavericks after being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies during roster cuts.
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed guard Walter Clayton Jr. to a Two-Way contract. Full release: https://t.co/GJMAJEK4Uz
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) October 21, 2026
As a rookie, Clayton (6-4, 195) averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 20.4 minutes per game in 69 games (6 starts) with the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. In 2 outings, he posted a career-high 20 points.
Under NBA Draft procedure, Clayton was officially selected as the No. 18 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards and immediately traded to Utah. During the 2025-26 season, Clayton was traded to Memphis as part of a blockbuster deal.
UF’s first first-team All-American, Clayton had the most productive individual season in Florida basketball history with 713 points scored to carry the Gators to the 2025 NCAA championship. Clayton has a strong claim to the most decorated Florida season ever, with a list of individual honors that includes NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player and All-Tournament Team, SEC Tournament MVP and All-Tournament Team and first-team All-SEC.
A Lake Wales, Florida native, Clayton transferred to Florida to play for Todd Golden in 2023 after 2 seasons at Iona under Rick Pitino. In 2 seasons as a Gator, Clayton was a 76-game starter, scoring 1346 points on 44% shooting from the field, 38% shooting from 3-point range and 87.6% at the foul line. Clayton also added 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in orange and blue.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
