Mavericks' last-minute signing just put fan-favorite's spot in jeopardy

In just the days after the Dallas Mavericks' first preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, where Cooper Flagg looked like an absolute stud and proved why he will be the future face of the franchise, the Mavericks would sign two-way standout Dalano Banton. In Banton's previous stops around the league, it may not have resulted in a big-time contract for him, but he had quickly made a name for himself with his last stop with the Portland Trail Blazers.

While in Portland, Banton made a name for himself on a squad that was desperately searching for a young player to enliven some spark. As a Trail Blazer, Banton would play a total of 67 games last season and average 8.3 points per game on nearly 40 percent shooting from the field. While these numbers may not bounce off the wall and scream that he is a future star, Banton does have offensive upside for a team that is desperately looking for life on that side of the ball.

With the Mavericks' signing of Banton at the last second, it raises questions about whether they are seriously considering adding Banton to their 15-man squad. If so, many fans think the obvious roster cut would be to get rid of Dante Exum. While Exum's status in Dallas has begun to disappear after a potential mysterious injury during training camp, the Mavericks may be forced to cut fan-favorite guard Brandon Williams due to financial reasons if they are serious about signing Banton.

Mavericks could be forced to waive Williams to sign Banton

In the past, Mavericks fans have hesitated to include Brandon Williams' name when it comes to roster-cutting moves. Not only did Williams make a name for himself in the final months of last season due to how great he played when his name was called upon, but Williams is currently the only Maverick who is signed to the 15-man roster spot whose contract isn't fully guaranteed throughout the season.

With the Mavericks already stretching and waiving Olivier-Maxence Prosper earlier in the offseason, cutting a player who would not appear on your cap sheet may be the only option Nico Harrison and the Mavericks have if they truly want to cut corners with their money. To many fans, this would be a move that instantly screams red flags, but after Williams recently went down with a strained hamstring on the first day of training camp, Williams' name could quickly begin to be less talked about.

Although Williams' spot isn't fully guaranteed, he is already facing a severe amount of pressure to make a name for himself this training camp, as the case for Banton making Dallas' 15-man roster is clear as well. Banton is a wiry 6-foot-8 wing with an elite handle and the ability to playmake and score in bunches with the ball in his hands.

Not only would signing Banton be a clear push by the front office and the Mavericks' coaching staff that they are truly ready to push all of their chips in on size, even at the guard position, but signing Banton would be a move that suggests he has skills the Mavericks are ready to explore.

Waiving Williams may not be the perfect roster move, but it may be the only option the Mavericks have without facing long-term repercussions by waiving a non-guaranteed contract.