The Dallas Mavericks signed guard/forward Dalano Banton on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Mavericks requested waivers on guard Matthew Cleveland.
Cleveland, who signed with the Mavericks on July 8, appeared in Monday’s preseason opener against Oklahoma City. He recorded seven points, four rebounds, and two assists in 18 minutes.
The move comes a day after Dallas opened its preseason with a 106-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Fort Worth.
Dalano Banton Brings Size and Versatility
Banton, a 6-foot-9, 203-pound native of Toronto, has averaged 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 14.5 minutes over 216 career games with Toronto, Boston and Portland.
He played 67 games with the Trail Blazers last season, including seven starts, and averaged 8.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 16.7 minutes.
Banton was drafted 46th overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2021, becoming the first Canadian player ever selected by the franchise. He made his NBA debut that October, scoring on his first shot attempt, and later set a career high with 27 points for Toronto on Nov. 24, 2022.
After signing a two-year contract with the Boston Celtics in July 2023, Banton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2024. He went on to post a new career high of 31 points and became one of the few players to score 20 points in fewer than 12 minutes of game time.
A “jumbo” guard known for his versatility, Banton is comfortable operating as either a primary or secondary playmaker. He brings change-of-pace scoring and can energize an offense in short bursts, though his efficiency has fluctuated.
Dalano Banton’s Outlook
Banton reportedly worked out for multiple NBA teams this summer, including Golden State and Indiana, while also receiving overseas interest. With Dallas, he has the chance to compete for a roster spot against Brandon Williams and Dennis Smith Jr. as the Mavericks finalize their depth heading into the regular season. Neither player was available to play against Oklahoma City.
Sources confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com that Banton signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Dallas. The deal allows him to compete for a spot on the regular-season roster during preseason and remain eligible to join the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, if waived. Under this structure, Banton can earn a bonus of up to $85,300 with the Legends while remaining under organizational control. The Mavericks have yet to acquire Smith’s G League rights, but he’s impressed in training camp.
The Mavericks will host Charlotte on Saturday at American Airlines Center.
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