“He’s Putting in the Work”: Brandon Williams to Sign Standard Deal with Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks two-way guard Brandon Williams will have his contract converted to a standard NBA deal later this week. ESPN first reported the story.
Williams, who reached his 50-game limit as a two-way player, will sign a two-year standard contract once the Mavericks are permitted to fill their 15th roster spot on April 10. The team has operated shorthanded in recent weeks due to hard-cap restrictions that prevented them from adding to the roster sooner.
The 24-year-old guard has been a bright spot for Dallas as the team fights to hold onto its position in the Western Conference play-in race. In 31 appearances this season, Williams has averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 14.8 minutes per game, shooting 51.1% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range, and 85.7% from the foul line.
“ He’s been great,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after Tuesday’s practice, but couldn’t comment much further. “He’s done everything we’ve asked.”
Brandon Williams Has Stepped Up for the Dallas Mavericks
Williams’ production has increased significantly since Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the season in early March with a torn ACL. He posted a 31-point, eight-assist performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 5, which garnered praise from his close friend Ja Morant after the game.
“I’ve known [Brandon Williams] for a while, so I definitely feel like he’s going to get his opportunity when it’s time for him,” Morant told me for a recent Sportskeeda interview. “He’s just got to continue to keep working and keep producing how he did tonight with guys out for them. This is the opportunity you get, and it can go a long way. He just needs to continue to take advantage of the opportunity he’s got right now, and I think he’ll be fine.”
Williams began his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021–22 season and spent the following year in the NBA G League. He signed a two-way contract with Dallas in 2023 and returned on another two-way deal last summer. He now figures to play a key role in the postseason rotation and could be in line for a more prominent role next season, depending on Irving’s recovery timeline.
Brandon Williams Earning Standard Contract
Since the All-Star break, Williams has averaged 15.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 24.8 minutes per game, shooting 53.6% from the floor, 36.1% from three, and 89.1% from the free-throw line. Former Mavericks guard Jazian Gortman, who spent much time around Williams during training camp and while on a two-way contract, shared insight into his progression.
“I think the biggest thing with B-Will is just seeing how much he’s gotten better,” Mavericks teammate Jazian Gortman told me for RG in a recent interview. “You could break it down and talk about all the things he’s getting better at, but honestly, the first time I saw B-Will—this was three or four years ago—I already thought he was unstoppable. So now to see a player like that continue to get better, it just tells me he’s putting in the work.”
Dallas is also evaluating its other two-way players, Kessler Edwards and Kai Jones, for a possible promotion. Edwards has also reached his 50-game limit, while Jones has one remaining. The Mavericks could open a second roster spot by waiting until Friday and waiving a current player. The first move will be to reward Williams, who has earned the opportunity to continue contributing in a more significant role.
Spencer Dinwiddie has been left as the only remaining traditional guard, with Brandon Williams unable to play. Irving and Danté Exum remain sidelined due to injuries, requiring Dallas to sometimes lean more on wings to handle the ball. Williams could begin playing immediately after signing a deal, including making him postseason eligible.
With a 38-41 record, Dallas, ranked 10th in the Western Conference, will likely be bound for the play-in tournament. Having Williams in the mix would only help.
