Mavericks delay inevitable move every fan knows is coming

The Dallas Mavericks have been planning to convert Ryan Nembhard's two-way contract to a standard deal for months now, but this move isn't imminent. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks aren't in a rush (subscription required) to make this move, and it seems likely that it won't happen before the trade deadline.

"The Mavericks, league sources say, are not rushing to waive injured guard Dante Exum to create the needed roster room to convert two-way guard Ryan Nembhard to a standard NBA contract in the event that a trade materializes that necessitates the inclusion of Exum's $3.3 million contract," Stein reported.

Exum was always the player expected to be waived by Dallas to make room for Nembhard, but since Exum could be traded, they're holding off from waiving him for the time being. While trading Anthony Davis seems unlikely after his recent hand injury, the Mavericks have been shopping other players such as Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D'Angelo Russell.

Why the Mavericks are waiting to convert Ryan Nembhard's contract

They could even explore trading Naji Marshall, as he is one of the few players on the roster with positive trade value.

It's definitely possible that one of them gets traded ahead of the trade deadline, and they could ultimately need to include Exum to get the prospective trade to go through. Matching salary is always one of the most difficult parts about making trades, and Exum's inclusion could make or break a deal, depending on the parameters in play.

Exum is on a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Mavericks this season, and if they don't include him in a trade, they'll almost certainly waive him. Mavericks fans had high hopes for Exum's third season in Dallas, but things crumbled before he could even take the court.

He's out for the season with a knee injury, and the Mavericks' gamble that he could stay healthy this season after playing just 75 games over his first two seasons in Dallas blew up in their face.

His journey in Dallas may unfortunately be remembered for his injuries, and a split seems likely as the Cooper Flagg era begins.

Flagg is untouchable in trade talks, along with Kyrie Irving, and Nembhard has a chance to be a key component of Dallas' young core if he can continue to improve. Fans fell in love with his game during Summer League, and his emergence this season has made him a lock to receive a standard contract.

The Mavericks struck gold with a rookie class headlined by Flagg and Nembhard, and fans have known that Nembhard is the real deal for weeks. He finished with 17 points and four assists in his first career start, and just two days later, he dropped a 28-point, 10-assist double-double.

While his production has slowed down some recently, he remains one of the best passers on the team and has the potential to be a high-level role player for years to come. He has the tools to be an efficient three-level scorer as he continues to become more assertive, and this will be key for him to remain in Dallas for the extended future.

The Mavericks clearly see him as a piece of their young core moving forward, but fans must be patient for the standard contract to come his way. Everyone knows that this move is on the horizon, but it's going to take some time to materialize.