April 10: Williams’ promotion to the standard roster is official, the Mavericks announced today (via Twitter). He’s now eligible to appear in Dallas’ final two regular season games and the play-in tournament, as well as the playoffs (if the Mavs qualify).
Since the move was finalized on Thursday, Dallas won’t have enough room under its hard cap to complete a second signing before season’s end, so it appears Edwards and Jones will remain on their two-way deals.
April 8: Two-way guard Brandon Williams will get a two-year standard contract later this week when the Mavericks are able to add another player to their 15-man roster, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). The upcoming move was confirmed by Williams’ agents, Derek Lafayette and Fess Irvin of Skyward Sports.
Dallas has been shorthanded for the last several weeks because of hard-cap restrictions that prevent the team from signing another player until April 10. Williams, who recently reached his 50-game limit on the active roster as a two-way player, has been a standout as the Mavs try to hold onto a spot in the play-in tournament.
Williams appeared in 31 games, averaging 8.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 14.8 minutes per night with .511/.379/.857 shooting numbers. His production increased sharply after Kyrie Irving was lost for the season in early March with a torn ACL, as Williams delivered 16.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per night in 11 games after Irving’s injury.
Williams began his NBA career with Portland in 2021/22 and spent the following season in the G League. He signed a two-way contract with Dallas in 2023 and another one last summer. He figures to have a featured role in the postseason with the Mavericks low on guards, and he may be counted on as a starter next season considering the projected timeline for Irving’s recovery.
Dallas was reportedly giving consideration to all three of its two-way players to fill the roster opening, as Kessler Edwards, who also reached his 50-game limit, and Kai Jones, who has one game remaining, have been impressive as well.
Dallas could fit two of them on the roster by waiting until Friday instead of Thursday to sign Williams, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link), but a current member of the standard roster would have to be waived to create another opening.
I’ll bet he’s pretty excited. Buy yourself something nice, Brandon. And your mom too.
At 25 yrs old. Looks like he might have just made The Show. Has had some good games for Dallas. He’s worth it as a backup PG. Dallas needs good news. Wish him the best.
I googled him. It appears he had some injury issues in high school and college that delayed his progress. Good to see a guy keep on working on it to achieve his dream.
Wait until Friday. Waive Dante Exum who is a free agent at the end of the season and out for the rest of the season due to injury. Bring on both B Williams and Kai Jones.
Jones isn’t necessary if Lively and Gafford are healthy.
Jones deserves a good look too. He was outstanding in pre draft workouts. Why he went in first rd. Don’t know his troubles. I know youth and ignorance had something to do with it. Time to man up.
too bad Exum can’t stay healthy.
I told you Portland