Need to compete with the former lottery show for a quota to stay in the team? Don’t the Mavericks plan to keep him?

According to previous news, the Dallas Mavericks gave a one-year contract to former former player Dennis Smith Jr. Subsequently, ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks analyzed the Mavericks' roster for the new season. In Marks' view, the Mavericks' 15th roster spot is likely to be produced between Smith and Brandon Williams. Marks said that if Brandon Williams can stay on the team's roster at the start of the first regular season game of the new season, the amount of guaranteed in his contract will rise from $200,000 to $850,000.

In the NBA regular season last season, Williams played 33 games in 82 games, averaging 14.8 minutes per game, averaging 8.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks, and 1.2 turnovers and 1 foul. His shooting percentage was 52.1%, a three-point shooting percentage of 40%, and a free throw shooting percentage of 83.3%. In the first round of the playoffs, the Mavericks beat the Sacramento Kings, Williams made 5 of 8 shots, 3 of 4 from outside the three-point line, and 4 of 4 free throws, scoring 17 points and 5 assists, and 1 foul, with a plus-negative value of +24. In the second round of the playoffs, the team lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, Williams made 6 of 12 shots, 1 of 5 from outside the three-point line, and 3 of 4 free throws, scoring 16 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 steal, and 3 fouls, with a plus-minus value of +4.

In April this year, Williams, who was still holding a two-way contract but had reached the limit of appearances, reached an agreement with the Mavericks, who received a two-year contract from the Mavericks. In the 2025-26 season, Williams' salary was $2.27 million, of which only $200,000 was the security part. With Williams' performance last season, if the Mavericks really give up on him in the end, I believe there will be a large number of teams snatching him crazy. Williams has already shown all his talents in the past season. He has excellent scoring and excellent shooting skills on the offensive end, as well as certain passing and organizational skills. With his performance, it is definitely more than enough to play the role of substitute point guard.

As for Smith, although he is a lottery pick, his performance in recent seasons has not been ideal. Due to the impact of major injuries, his condition is no longer as good as before, and his physical condition and athletic ability have also declined significantly. His performance after joining the La Liga giants Real Madrid last season was even more disaster-level. Except for the lack of draft picks, Williams' situation is far better than Smith in all aspects. Will the Mavericks really consider giving up Williams for Smith?