The Dallas Mavericks are moving on from Olivier-Maxence Prosper. According to Shams Charania, the team is waiving the 2023 first-round pick via the NBA’s stretch provision.
Dallas had been exploring trade options for the 23-year-old forward but found little market interest. Prosper averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 52 games last season, playing limited minutes off the bench.
The decision comes as the Mavericks face a roster crunch ahead of Friday’s deadline. The front office needed to clear a spot to finalize the signing of guard Dante Exum, who agreed to return on a one-year deal earlier this summer.
By using the waive-and-stretch mechanism, the Mavericks can spread out Prosper’s remaining salary over multiple years. This move allows the franchise to preserve draft assets instead of attaching picks to unload his contract through a trade.
Exum’s return is considered a priority after his strong play last season. The 30-year-old averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds across 18 games before a hand injury sidelined him in March. He also shot a career-high 44.7% from beyond the arc, giving Dallas reliable floor spacing and defensive versatility in the second unit.
The Mavericks are retooling following a 39–43 finish and a Play-In Tournament exit against Memphis. The addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg has brought optimism, and maintaining Exum in the rotation adds veteran stability alongside D’Angelo Russell in the backcourt.
For Prosper, the move marks an early setback after just two seasons in the league. Drafted 24th overall in 2023, he entered the NBA as a defensive-minded wing with size and athleticism. Now waived, he will look to secure a new opportunity elsewhere.
