The Dallas Mavericks completed three roster transactions today, adding Tyler Smith and John Paulakidas on two-way contracts as the March 4 deadline for minor league signings nears. To accommodate these deals, the team waived guard Miles Kelly, according to Michael Scotto of HoopHype.com.
The Dallas Mavericks have signed forward Tyler Smith and guard John Poulakidas to two-way contracts. In addition, the Mavericks have waived two-way guard Miles Kelly,
Michael Scotto, Sports Journalist
Profiles of the New Two-Way Players
Tyler Smith brings one season of NBA experience, while John Paulakidas prepares for his first professional campaign in 2025-26. Both players spent time in the G League before the Mavericks signed them to their current deals, indicating Dallas’s strategy to develop talent with potential upside.
Tyler Smith’s Journey and Playing Style
Smith, a 6-foot-9 forward, had a notable path through the G League as he played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, affiliated with the Houston Rockets, as well as the Capital City Go-Go, associated with the Washington Wizards. Selected 33rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Smith appeared in 23 games for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2024-25 season, contributing 122 total minutes.
Originally chosen as the No. 2 pick in the G League draft by the Osceola Magic, Smith was immediately traded to Capital City, where he competed in eight games before a call-up opportunity surfaced. Although he did not appear in games for the Rockets, their interest led them to secure his G-League rights.
Smith can play both small forward and power forward positions. His defense is considered more advanced than his offense, showcasing a relentless motor and the ability to guard wings and switch onto smaller power forwards. Offensively, he excels at cutting and fast breaks and has dependable three-point shooting range.
While primarily expected to feature with the Texas Legends, Dallas’s G League affiliate, Smith’s playtime with the Mavericks could increase due to team injuries. His statistics from Rio Grande Valley highlight his impact: averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steal across 27 games, hitting an average of 1.9 three-pointers per contest with shooting percentages of 48.1% from the field, 35.1% from three, and 73.8% from the free-throw line. He recorded nine double-doubles and scored at least 20 points in six games.
John Paulakidas: Yale’s Rising Talent Joins the Mavericks
Paulakidas, a 6-foot-6 wing, went undrafted out of Yale but earned spots in the Los Angeles Clippers’ summer league and training camp, followed by an assignment to their G League affiliate in San Diego. Known for his shooting ability, Paulakidas possesses a quick shot and deep range, yet stands out by reading defenses and moving efficiently without the ball, setting up scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Defensively, he competes well though he rarely gets to the free-throw line.
In his G League tenure, Paulakidas has averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 made threes, and 3.8 rebounds per game with shooting splits of 46.5% field goal, 45.1% three-point, and 65% free throw. He has scored in double figures in 22 of 37 games and reached 20 points or more on eight occasions.
Both Paulakidas and Smith may appear in up to 12 NBA games this season under two-way contract limits. Moussa Cisse joins them as the Mavericks’ third two-way player. Importantly, Paulakidas becomes the sixth Yale player to sign an NBA contract, joining alumni Danny Wolf, Miye Oni, Tony Lavelli, Butch Graves, and Chris Dudley. Notably, Wolf later transferred to Michigan after two years at Yale.
Miles Kelly’s Departure from the Mavericks Roster
Miles Kelly, the 6-foot-4 guard who split his time between the Mavericks and their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, was waived to make roster space. Kelly, an undrafted 2024 prospect out of Georgia Tech, demonstrated strong G League performances and appeared in 14 NBA games, averaging 10 minutes per outing.
Despite solid contributions in the minor league, Kelly struggled with offensive efficiency at the NBA level, producing averages of 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds along with shooting marks of 36.4% field goals, 30.3% three-pointers, and a perfect free throw percentage. He scored a personal-best nine points twice during the campaign.
Implications of the Mavericks’ Recent Moves
By bringing in Smith and Paulakidas while releasing Kelly, the Mavericks demonstrate a focused effort to refresh their roster depth and develop promising players with a mix of experience and potential. These roster adjustments provide Dallas greater flexibility ahead of the deadline and respond to injury concerns by bolstering the wings and forward positions.
Looking forward, Smith and Paulakidas could both see valuable minutes, whether in the G League or with the Mavericks, as Dallas navigates the final stretch of the season. Their growth and performance will be closely monitored, given the team’s ambitions and need for sustained depth.
The Dallas Mavericks have signed forward Tyler Smith and guard John Poulakidas to two-way contracts. In addition, the Mavericks have waived two-way guard Miles Kelly.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) March 1, 2026
