How the Dallas Mavericks Created Roster Space and What It Means for Their Depth

The Dallas Mavericks made a significant roster adjustment on Friday when they waived Olivier-Maxence Prosper using the stretch provision, as reported by ESPN. This decision came after the franchise had recently secured veteran guard Dante Exum, creating a contractual conflict that forced management to make a tough choice.

The Numbers Behind Prosper’s Tenure

Prosper, selected 24th overall by Dallas in 2023, struggled to make an impact during his two-year stint with the franchise. Across 92 appearances, the six-foot-seven wing from Montreal averaged just 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds while seeing 10.0 minutes per contest. His shooting efficiency told a similar story: 39.6 percent from the field and a concerning 26 percent from three-point range on 1.0 attempts per game. At 23 years old, however, Prosper possesses the profile of a player who could resurface elsewhere in the league.

Why Exum’s Addition Required a Sacrifice

Early July brought news of Exum joining the Mavericks. The Australian veteran, now in his eighth NBA season, presented an immediate upgrade for Dallas’s backcourt rotation. With 15 standard contracts already on the books—meaning full roster capacity—the front office faced a difficult reality: someone had to depart. Prosper became the casualty.

Exum’s credentials tell why he was worth the roster space. In two seasons with Dallas, he has contributed 8.0 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game across 19.5 minutes, while shooting 47.2 percent from three on 2.1 attempts nightly. These contributions take on added importance with Kyrie Irving sidelined by a torn ACL. Alongside Cooper Flagg—a star prospect capable of orchestrating the offense—and the recent addition of D’Angelo Russell, Exum figures to play an expanded role in the coming campaign.

A Career Path Worth Studying

Interestingly, Exum’s own journey offers Prosper a blueprint for potential redemption. The 2014 NBA Draft saw Utah take Exum fifth overall, yet injuries derailed what many expected to be a productive tenure. After five forgettable years in Salt Lake City, he transitioned to Cleveland, appearing in just 30 games across two seasons. Rather than fade into obscurity, Exum took his talents abroad, where his game evolved significantly.

That international experience paved his route back to NBA relevance. Prosper may or may not choose to follow a similar path. Should he remain stateside chasing opportunities, his former teammate’s recovery narrative stands as compelling evidence that early career struggles don’t determine a player’s ultimate trajectory. The question now becomes whether the young wing can learn from this second chance, wherever it leads.