Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr. signs deal with Blazers

The Dallas Mavericks were quick to fill their 15-man roster this offseason. They added Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown to improve their shooting and wing rotation. The Mavs also re-signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Boban Marjanovic to complete their roster.

Dallas is still active on the trade market. They need defense and a secondary creator to round out their roster. The easiest route to improving is by making a deal. The Goran Dragic rumors have not died down, but the Mavericks would prefer to wait for a buyout.

Fans were hoping for a Dennis Smith Jr. reunion. The Mavs picked him ninth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, and the young point guard had a promising rookie season. Then, Luka Doncic arrived and Smith Jr. was dealt to the Knicks in the Kristaps Porzingis deal. He has bounced around the league since and remained on the free-agent market until Sept. 2. Get the latest here.

Former Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. signs with Blazers

Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news on Thursday afternoon. He noted it was a deal for training camp. That means Smith Jr. may not make Portland’s opening night roster.

The Trail Blazers have room on their roster and a need at the point guard spot. They have just 13 players under guaranteed contracts with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons as their only two lead guards. Portland can play C.J. McCollum at the one, but having a capable ball-handler at the end of the bench can be massive for a playoff team.

Dennis Smith Jr. is still 23-year-old and packed with potential. He finished last season with the Detroit Pistons where he averaged 7.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 19.6 minutes per game. The Blazers will be hoping to see an improved jumper and the ability to run their offense during training camp. DSJ has a chance to make their roster, but he will have to prove himself before their regular-season opener on Oct. 20.

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for training camp. It will be the first with Jason Kidd as head coach, and fans should be excited. Keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, rumors, and analysis on the team this season.