Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Mavericks Make Ryan Nembhard Decision After 17 Starts

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Debayan Biswas | Last updated Feb 28, 2026 12:37 PM ET

After suffering a 124-105 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies , they dropped to 21-38 and 12th in the Western Conference. The focus in Dallas has shifted from playoff positioning to player development. That direction became clearer Saturday when the Mavericks converted rookie guard Ryan Nembhard’s two-way deal into a standard two-year contract.

This decision came just a day after the Mavericks released veteran guard Tyus Jones to make room on the roster. ESPN reporter Shams Charania reported, “The Dallas Mavericks are signing two-way guard Ryan Nembhard to a new two-year contract, Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani of Life Sports Agency tell ESPN. Nembhard brought a spark on his two-way deal.”

The Dallas Mavericks are signing two-way guard Ryan Nembhard to a new two-year contract, Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani of Life Sports Agency tell ESPN. Nembhard brought a spark on his two-way deal, averaging 9.9 points, 6.1 assists and 44.4% 3-point shooting in 17 starts. pic.twitter.com/GFPhSy8rkb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2026

Nembhard, 22, has appeared in 38 games this season and made 17 starts. Overall, he is averaging 6.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 37.9% from beyond the arc. He has also protected the ball, averaging just 1.4 turnovers per game. In one signature moment, Nembhard scored a career-high 28 points in a December 1 win over the Denver Nuggets.

His playmaking background is well documented. Nembhard led the nation in assists as a senior at Gonzaga and earned All-WCC honors after beginning his college career at Creighton, where he was the Big East Freshman of the Year in 2021. He has also represented Canada internationally, winning bronze at the FIBA U-19 World Cup. He is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard.

Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard (9) drives to the basket during the game between the Mavericks and the 76ers at American Airlines Center.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In limited G League action with the Texas Legends, Nembhard averaged more than 22.4 points and over 10 assists per game, further reinforcing his floor leadership.

The Mavericks entered the season with playoff expectations. Injuries and roster changes, including the departure of Anthony Davis, shifted that outlook. With Kyrie Irving expected back next season after recovering from a torn ACL, Dallas appears to be evaluating long-term backcourt pieces around its core.

Nembhard’s new deal suggests he could be part of that conversation. The team option offers flexibility but also signals belief.

Dallas hosts the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder next. For a team in transition, the final stretch may be less about wins and more about growth, and Nembhard has earned a chance to grow with them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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