Sources: Ryan Nembhard Agrees to Two-Way Contract with Dallas Mavericks

Grant AfsethJune 27, 2025June 27, 2025no comment

Ryan Nembhard, Dallas Mavericks, NBA Draft

Gonzaga Athletics

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a two-way contract with Gonzaga point guard Ryan Nembhard, sources confirm to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

The 6-foot senior went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft despite completing one of college basketball history’s prolific playmaking seasons. Nembhard led the nation with 9.8 assists per game, breaking the Gonzaga and West Coast Conference single-season records with 344 total assists — the fifth-most recorded in NCAA Division I.

He started all 35 games for Gonzaga in 2024–25, averaging 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 35.1 minutes per contest while shooting 44.6% from the field, 40.4% from three (a career high), and 77.0% at the free-throw line.

Nembhard’s passing brilliance and improved perimeter shooting helped guide Gonzaga to a 26-9 record, a second-place WCC finish, and another NCAA Tournament berth. He averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game across four tournament performances.

Viewed as one of the top undrafted free agents available, Nembhard drew pre-draft interest from the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors. While scouts raised questions about his size and defensive versatility, his leadership, pace control, and shot-making growth made him a strong candidate for an NBA opportunity.

The Mavericks’ two-way deal allows Nembhard to split time between the NBA roster and the G League’s Texas Legends and develop into a full-time backup guard. He is expected to participate in the Summer League with Dallas.

Nembhard is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and becomes the latest addition to a Mavericks developmental group focused on high-IQ, team-first talent.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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