Mavericks blow dream final signing as once-hyped youngster jets for rival

Last week, the Dallas Mavericks waived Olivier-Maxence Prosper after two years with the team to create room to bring back Dante Exum. Waiving or trading Prosper was long reported as a possibility, as they had 16 players on standard contracts and needed to create an open roster spot, but the Mavs missed an under-the-radar opportunity to bring him back as he signed a two-way deal with the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday morning, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Mavericks fans may be confused about how the Mavs could've brought back Prosper, as they don't have a standard contract to give him, but they could've tried to bring him back on a two-way deal.

Since Prosper has less than three years of NBA experience, the Mavs could've signed him to a two-way deal, and this would've been the perfect way to round out their roster.

Mavericks should've considered signing Prosper to a two-way deal

As things stand now, Dallas still has an open two-way roster spot, and while it would be smart to take this deal into training camp and allow Exhibit-10 players to fight for it, Prosper would've been a safe bet, as he already has a level of familiarity with the organization, players, and coaching staff. The Mavericks drafted him with the No. 24 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and signing him to a two-way contract after waiving him last week would've given him one final chance to prove that he deserves a roster spot in Dallas.

If he struggled, the Mavs could move on and put on the Prosper project forever. But if he found a groove and took the next step in his development, the Mavericks would look like geniuses.

Dallas already has Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly, a craft point guard and a knockdown shooter, on two-way deals, and adding Prosper to that group would've given them balance along with needed positional size.

A one-year prove-it contract for Prosper would've been the ideal ending to his time in Dallas or genesis of a new version of himself, and fans will always wonder why the Mavs let him go after two years if he develops into a reliable role player this season in Memphis.

Dallas' wing depth, especially wings with good size, isn't great to begin with, and if Cooper Flagg or P.J. Washington happened to get injured, Prosper could've been thrust into a prominent role if they brought him back. His hustle, energy, and defense could've helped the Mavs during these injury spells, and now, he'll be heading to one of the Mavs' Southwest Division rivals.

Just like Dallas, the Grizzlies have a lot to play for next season after getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and Prosper could end up playing a role in their success if he polishes his game this summer and proves he deserves an occasional role in their rotation.

The Grizzlies also don't possess many forwards with good size, and if Jaren Jackson Jr., Jaylen Wells, or Santi Aldama miss extended time, Prosper may get his shot to join Tuomas Iisalo's rotation.

Waiving Prosper was a no-brainer, as the Mavericks had to create a roster spot for Exum, but bringing him back on a two-way deal after waiving him would've been a shocker that would've given Dallas the best assortment of two-way players in the league.