Olivier-Maxence Prosper is headed to the Memphis Grizzlies, a fresh opportunity coming just days after the Dallas Mavericks cut ties with the 2023 first-round pick.
Prosper, 21, agreed to a two-way contract with Memphis, according to ESPN. The deal arrives less than a week after Dallas waived the 6-foot-8 forward, opting to use the waive-and-stretch provision to clear roster space and financial flexibility.
Dallas Mavericks Move On
Under the stretch rule, the Mavericks will pay Prosper’s near $3 million salary for the 2025-26 season over three years at roughly $1 million annually. The decision was driven in part by Dallas’ desire to re-sign guard Danté Exum while already carrying depth at forward with P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin.
Although some had described Prosper externally as a player who drew trade interest, the Mavericks’ use of the stretch provision reflects otherwise. Teams typically don’t bypass the trade market before the deadline if legitimate value exists. Furthermore, multiple rival front office members told DallasHoopsJournal.com that both Prosper and Jaden Hardy carried limited trade value — naturally complicating Dallas’ options for reducing its number of standard contracts before re-signing Danté Exum. That left the Mavericks with little choice but to stretch Prosper’s salary rather than attach extra compensation in a deal.
Despite entering the league described as “further along” than fellow 2023 draftee Dereck Lively II, Prosper never earned a consistent spot in the Mavericks’ rotation. While Lively has since emerged as one of Dallas’ franchise cornerstones, Prosper remained on the periphery of the team’s plans.
A Fresh Start in Memphis
A native of Montreal, Prosper was the 24th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played in 92 games for the Mavericks, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds. Last season, he played in 52 games, contributing 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Perimeter shooting has been a particular challenge, as Prosper has gone just 25-of-96 (26.0%) from deep across his two seasons. Defensively, he has shown flashes of potential with his length and energy, but finding the balance between reducing fouls and securing stops has been an ongoing hurdle.
Prosper underwent right wrist surgery in March but is expected to be available for the upcoming season. Memphis plans to utilize him in a developmental role, with time split between the Grizzlies and their G League affiliate.
For the Grizzlies, it’s a low-risk addition that bolsters their wing depth with a young, athletic defender. For the Mavericks, it marks another calculated roster shuffle in a summer defined by cap management and positional balance.
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