The Dallas Mavericks have signed guard/forward Dalano Banton, the team announced Tuesday. In a corresponding move, Dallas waived guard Matthew Cleveland.
Banton, 25, played the entire 2024–25 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 8.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 67 games. He also improved his three-point shooting, connecting on 32.4% from deep, marking growth from his previous NBA seasons.
At 6-foot-9, Banton provides the Mavericks with size, versatility, and defensive flexibility in the backcourt and wing. His ball-handling skills and ability to guard multiple positions fit Jason Kidd’s rotation approach, especially with Kyrie Irving sidelined due to injury.
Originally drafted 46th overall by Toronto in 2021, Banton split his early career between the Raptors and Celtics before establishing himself with Portland. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 30 games after joining the Blazers midseason.
Banton is expected to compete for minutes alongside D’Angelo Russell, Dennis Smith Jr., and Jaden Hardy, while providing depth behind Klay Thompson and P. J. Washington on the wing. His length and defensive instincts could also enable Dallas to run bigger lineups with Daniel Gafford and Anthony Davis.
