Mavericks Sign Nembhard, Add Two-Way Deals for Poulakidas and Smith

Dallas adds undrafted rookie Nembhard to standard contract, signs two-way deals with Poulakidas and Smith.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The Dallas Mavericks have signed point guard Ryan Nembhard to a standard NBA contract after he thrived as an undrafted rookie free agent on a two-way deal. The team also filled two openings for two-way contracts by signing guard John Poulakidas and forward Tyler Smith.

Why it matters

The Mavericks have struggled this season, losing 12 of their last 14 games and are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Signing Nembhard to a standard contract and adding Poulakidas and Smith on two-way deals could provide a boost to the team's depth and development of young talent.

The details

Nembhard has made 17 starts in 38 appearances for the Mavericks, averaging 6.7 points while leading all rookies at 4.9 assists per game. He became the first undrafted rookie with at least 25 points and 10 assists without committing a turnover. Poulakidas started the season with the G League's San Diego Clippers after going undrafted out of Yale, while Smith started this season with Rio Grande Valley in the G League and previously played one season for the G League Ignite before getting drafted by Milwaukee in 2024.

  • The Mavericks announced the signings on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Ryan Nembhard

An undrafted rookie point guard who has thrived on a two-way deal with the Mavericks this season.

John Poulakidas

A guard who started the season with the G League's San Diego Clippers after going undrafted out of Yale.

Tyler Smith

A forward who started this season with Rio Grande Valley in the G League and previously played one season for the G League Ignite before getting drafted by Milwaukee in 2024.

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What’s next

The Mavericks will look to Nembhard, Poulakidas, and Smith to provide a boost to the team's depth and development of young talent as they try to turn around their season and make a push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Mavericks' signings of Nembhard, Poulakidas, and Smith demonstrate the team's commitment to developing young talent and finding undrafted gems who can contribute to the team's success, even as they struggle through a difficult season.