Rumors: McKinley Wright IV earns 2-way contract with Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks brought McKinley Wright IV to training camp to fight for a job. There was no guarantee that he would make the team, but Dallas had their 15th and final regular roster spot open, plus an unused two-way contract. The Mavs brought 20 players to camp, and the final six were battling for spots.

Wright IV immediately popped in the team’s preseason opening win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He got additional playing time as Luka Doncic rested, and the six-foot guard took advantage by producing eight points, ten dimes, and one steal in 22 minutes of action. Wright IV proved he was capable of running the offense and making plays.

The Mavs need more ball-handling and playmakers on their roster, so keeping Wright IV was a no-brainer. He played five NBA games last season, and he was clearly the readiest for primetime action. His stellar training camp earned the 23-year-old a two-way contract, assuming nobody unexpected pops up on the waiver wire, according to Marc Stein.

Rumors: McKinley Wright IV earns a 2-way contract with Dallas Mavericks

Wright IV clearly needs more time to develop, or he would have landed the Mavs regular-season roster. Instead, they are set to sign Facundo Campazzo to be their third guard. That means Wright IV will play most of his games with the Texas Legends this season, but he must stay ready. If Luka Doncic or Spencer Dinwiddie is forced to miss time, Wright IV gives the team a solid option to turn to in a pinch.

McKinley Wright IV joins Tyler Dorsey as the Dallas Mavericks' two two-way players entering the 2022-23 season. How much can the Mavs get out of them? Both players should dominate the G League when given the chance, which should make the Texas Legends even more exciting this year.

The Mavericks have failed to turn their two-way players into meaningful rotation options, but that could come in time. Will McKinley Wright IV keep getting better, and eventually end up in the Mavs rotation? It is something to watch this season.