Dallas Mavericks guard Walter Clayton Jr. has described his move to Dallas as a positive development after experiencing an inconsistent rookie season in the NBA.
Clayton, who spent the 2025/26 campaign with the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, acknowledged that his first year in the league was “up and down” and described it as a “learning year.”
Now playing for the Mavericks on a two-way contract, the young guard believes he has adjusted well to his new surroundings.
Speaking to Grant Afseth of Dallas Sports Journal, Clayton characterized his arrival in Dallas as a “seamless transition,” suggesting that he feels comfortable with his new team.
Clayton also has an existing connection to Mavericks head coach Dusty May, who previously recruited him during his college career before the guard ultimately committed to Florida.
Although Clayton did not play for May in college, he developed a personal connection with the coach’s family while attending Florida.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Clayton was roommates with May’s son, Jack May, who is now a member of the Mavericks’ staff.
Those connections have provided Clayton with familiar faces as he begins the next chapter of his NBA career.
The guard also made a strong contribution during Dallas’ 113-109 road victory over the Miami Heat on Monday.
Clayton finished with 15 points and four assists in just 17 minutes of action, providing the Mavericks with valuable production off the bench.
He also recorded a team-high plus-minus rating of +22, indicating that Dallas outscored Miami by 22 points during his time on the court.
