The Dallas Mavericks are bringing back a former lottery pick of their own, signing guard Dennis Smith Jr. to a training camp deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Smith Jr. now returns to the team that drafted him with the ninth overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. He spent the first two seasons of his career with the Mavericks, averaging 14.5 points and 3.7 assists per game in 101 appearances. From there, Smith Jr. would also suit for the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trailblazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets.
Smith spent last year with the EuroLeague’s Real Madrid. The 27-year-old last appeared in the NBA during the 2023-24 season, where 6.6 points and 3.6 assists per game in 52 appearances with the Brooklyn Nets.
Smith Jr. to compete for roster spot in training camp
Now, he’ll join the Mavericks once again for training camp. According to Sharania, the Mavericks already have a full roster, but he’ll still compete for a spot with guard Brandon Williams, whose contract is partially guaranteed. The Mavericks are already down a bit in the backcourt thanks to Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL suffered back in March.
The Mavericks enter next season as a potential title contender in the Western Conference, and Smith Jr. will look to become a part of what could be a special season in Dallas. Despite trading away Luka Doncic last season, the Mavericks have still set themselves up nicely to compete next season with a solid nucleus of star players that includes Irving, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and rookie Cooper Flagg.
