The Dallas Mavericks have waived forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper using the stretch provision ahead of Friday’s 4 p.m. CT deadline, league sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com. The move clears the path for the team to finalize its agreement with guard Danté Exum, who has been waiting since early July after agreeing to a one-year veteran minimum contract.
Head coach Jason Kidd has often spoken highly of Exum’s ability to push the pace offensively while contributing as a versatile perimeter defender. With Prosper’s salary stretched, Dallas creates the necessary roster spot to re-sign Exum while staying below the restrictive second tax apron.
Cap Mechanics Behind the Move
Prosper’s $3 million salary for 2025–26 will now be paid out in equal installments of roughly $1 million per year over three seasons. The maneuver opens approximately $2 million in room below the $207.8 million apron line, giving the Mavericks flexibility to add Exum without triggering penalties.
Due to Prosper’s limited trade value, Dallas would likely have been required to attach draft compensation in any trade package for a team to absorb his contract into cap space. Electing to waive and stretch him avoided parting with additional assets, but it comes with the long-term cost of dead money on the books.
Prosper, who was drafted No. 24 overall in 2023, will not see the fourth-year team option worth $5.3 million exercised. The stretch provision adds to Dallas’ existing “dead money” on the cap sheet, with JaVale McGee’s waived salary still counting about $2.2 million annually through the 2027–28 season.
Danté Exum’s Return and Roster Outlook
Dallas entered the week with 15 players on guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts and had to clear both salary and a roster spot to complete Exum’s signing. The Australian guard, who played a steady role for the Mavericks when healthy last season, will slot back into the backcourt rotation.
Jaden Hardy, who averaged 8.7 points on 38.6% shooting from three last season, remains on the roster despite being floated in trade discussions. He begins a three-year, $18 million extension in 2025–26, complicating his long-term outlook behind D’Angelo Russell and Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks now carry dead money but gain the guard depth they sought all summer. For Exum, the wait should soon be over.
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