DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks Picking Up Ryan Nembhard’s 2026-27 Option
Dallas is exercising its team option on guard Ryan Nembhard, keeping the undrafted rookie who led all NBA first-year players in assists per game ahead of the free-agency window.
- What did the Mavericks decide on Ryan Nembhard? Dallas is picking up its 2026-27 team option, keeping the second-year guard under contract instead of letting him reach free agency.
- Why does keeping Nembhard make sense for Dallas? He led all NBA rookies in assists per game on a cheap, controllable deal and was the only true point guard under contract besides Kyrie Irving.
- Why does it matter? It hands new coach Dusty May and the front office rotation depth and playmaking insurance behind Irving, who is returning from a torn left ACL.
- What’s next? Free-agent talks open Tuesday, June 30, with deals official July 6; Nembhard then joins Canada for FIBA World Cup qualifiers July 3 and July 6 in Hamilton, Ontario.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are likely to exercise the near $2.2 million team option on guard Ryan Nembhard for the 2026-27 season on Monday, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal, retaining the undrafted rookie who led all NBA first-year players in assists per game. The move locks in low-cost backcourt depth before free agency opens.
Nembhard was one of the few bright spots on a 26-56 roster. He set the franchise rookie record with 23 assists in a 149-128 season-finale win over the Chicago Bulls, adding 15 points and 9 rebounds and breaking a mark Jason Kidd set in 1995. He also posted a career-high 28 points in a Dec. 1 win over the Denver Nuggets and became the first undrafted rookie since Stephon Marbury in 1996 to record at least 25 points and 10 assists with zero turnovers in a game.
Ryan Nembhard’s Rookie Breakthrough
Dallas signed Nembhard out of Gonzaga to a two-way deal in July, then converted him to a two-year standard contract on Feb. 28 after waiving veteran guard Tyus Jones to open a roster spot. The 2026-27 team option was built into that deal, handing the front office a cheap, controllable look at a 22-year-old playmaker.
In 17 starts, Nembhard averaged 9.9 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 44.4% from the 3-point range. Across 13 December games, he averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists on 48% shooting as Dallas climbed from one of the league’s worst offenses to a functional one. He is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard.
What the Decision Means for Dallas’ Backcourt
The Mavericks reached the option deadline thin at point guard. Kyrie Irving is expected back for 2026-27 after missing all of last season recovering from a torn left ACL, and Nembhard was the only other true point guard under contract. Brandon Williams, another undrafted guard who played his way onto a standard deal in recent years, reaches free agency Tuesday with reported interest from multiple teams.
Keeping Nembhard gives new coach Dusty May a known piece in the rotation as president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz reshape the roster around 2026 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Dallas also added guard Sergio De Larrea on draft night.
What’s Next
Free-agent negotiations open Tuesday, with deals able to become official July 6. Dallas is expected to prioritize re-signing Williams and adding backcourt help behind Irving.
Nembhard’s summer continues away from Dallas. He is among the 16 players on Canada’s senior men’s national team roster for the FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, joining his brother Andrew Nembhard. Canada hosts Puerto Rico on July 3 and Jamaica on July 6 at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, in a Window 3 set that would mark Ryan Nembhard‘s senior national team debut.
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