Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that although Ryan Nembhard went undrafted in June, the Mavericks have “already committed” to converting his two-way deal into a standard contract as soon as rules and cap space allow.
Nembhard has strengthened that case by stepping in as Dallas’ starting point guard over the last five games, but because the team sits just $1.29 million below the second-apron hard cap, it cannot add even a prorated minimum deal until January 6.
Promoting him immediately after that date would leave the Mavericks only $12,000 under the hard cap, creating the same kind of roster limitations they dealt with last season when injuries hit.
Stein also notes that a minimum contract might not suffice if Nembhard keeps performing this well, meaning the Mavs might eventually have to offer more to avoid him reaching restricted free agency in 2026. Still, Dallas doesn’t have to rush, as Nembhard can appear in 33 more games on his two-way agreement.
According to Stein, Nembhard worked out for 29 teams before the draft, but Dallas was the only one to show sustained interest. Then–assistant GM Matt Riccardi, now co-interim GM, repeatedly told Nembhard’s agents the team hoped to acquire a second-round pick to draft him, and if not, they would “definitely” sign him to a two-way deal.
On draft night, Dallas couldn’t secure a pick, and although teams in the 50s considered selecting Nembhard, his agents declined so he could choose Dallas as an undrafted free agent.
Reflecting on his draft experience, Nembhard told Stein: “I don’t think about it much anymore. My focus is on today because that’s all that matters. But deep down I think I have a natural fire to compete. And it’s hotter than maybe it would have been otherwise because no one believed in me.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd also praised fellow two-way rookie Moussa Cisse for stepping up amid injuries.
“Our two-ways have done great … Moussa and the energy that he’s brought, he’s helped win some games for us early,” Kidd said. “Our two-ways have had a big impact and at some point here in January, they could run out of games. That’s just the unfortunate thing, but we’ve needed them because of injuries and they’ve responded with the opportunities they’ve been given.”
ICYMI: The Mavericks reportedly plan to promote Ryan Nembhard to a standard contract at some point this season. https://t.co/DHpNTC5Aow
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 6, 2025
