On the morning of September 18, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks made waves across the NBA landscape by announcing the return of a familiar face: Dennis Smith Jr. The 27-year-old guard, who once electrified Dallas fans as a rookie, has agreed to a one-year deal with the team that first believed in his high-flying potential. According to Smith’s agent, Daniel Hazan of Hazan Sports Management, the arrangement will see Smith competing in training camp, vying for a spot on a Mavericks roster that’s already brimming with talent.
Smith’s journey back to Dallas reads like a basketball odyssey—full of twists, turns, and more than a few highlight-reel moments. Drafted ninth overall by the Mavericks in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith wasted no time making his mark. In his debut season, he averaged a career-high 15.2 points per game and earned a spot on the 2017-18 All-Rookie Team. Mavericks fans, still buzzing from the team’s bold draft move, watched as Smith soared for dunks, dished out assists, and brought a spark to the backcourt that had been missing for years.
But as is often the case in professional sports, change came swiftly. In January 2019, Smith was dealt to the New York Knicks as part of the blockbuster trade that saw Kristaps Porzingis head to Dallas. The move was a seismic shift for both franchises, and Smith suddenly found himself in the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. From February 2019 to February 2021, he donned the Knicks’ blue and orange, continuing to flash the athleticism that made him a top-10 pick. Yet, stability proved elusive.
Midway through the 2020-21 campaign, Smith was on the move again, this time to the Detroit Pistons. The trade, which brought Derrick Rose back to New York, gave Smith another opportunity to prove himself. But the NBA is a league of constant motion, and Smith’s path would soon take him to even more destinations. Over the next three seasons, he suited up for three different teams: the Portland Trail Blazers, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Brooklyn Nets. Each stop brought new challenges and fresh chances to showcase his defensive prowess.
It was during the 2023-24 season, as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, that Smith truly made his defensive presence felt. Among all NBA players who logged at least 1,000 minutes, Smith ranked second in steals per 36 minutes—a testament to his quick hands and relentless energy on the perimeter. While his offensive numbers didn’t reach the heights of his rookie year, Smith’s commitment on defense caught the eye of coaches and analysts alike. He became a valuable rotation piece, able to disrupt opposing guards and ignite fast breaks with a single swipe.
Then came a surprising twist in Smith’s basketball journey: a season in Europe. For the 2024-25 campaign, Smith took his talents to Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, embracing a new culture and a different style of play. The move, rare for a player of his NBA pedigree, allowed Smith to refine his game further and gain international experience. Though detailed EuroLeague stats haven’t been released, Smith’s reputation for athleticism and defense followed him across the Atlantic.
Now, as he prepares to return to Dallas, Smith brings with him a wealth of experience—both in the NBA and abroad. Over seven NBA seasons, he’s averaged 9.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3 rebounds per contest across 326 games. Those numbers, while modest compared to his rookie explosion, reflect a player who’s adapted, matured, and found ways to contribute in a variety of roles.
But what does Smith’s return mean for the Mavericks’ current roster? That’s the million-dollar question. Dallas already has a full complement of players under contract, with guard Brandon Williams occupying a spot on a partially guaranteed deal. The competition in training camp promises to be fierce, and Smith will need to prove he can carve out a niche amid a crowded backcourt. Mavericks fans may recall his dazzling rookie performances, but the NBA waits for no one—Smith will have to earn his minutes all over again.
Still, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. After all, reunions in sports are often about unfinished business. For Smith, this is a chance to rewrite his Dallas chapter, to show the organization—and the league—that he still has plenty left in the tank. Will he recapture the scoring punch that made him a rookie sensation? Or will his defensive chops be the key to sticking in the rotation? Only time will tell, but the opportunity is right there for the taking.
The Mavericks, for their part, are no strangers to bold moves. The trade for Kristaps Porzingis back in 2019 signaled a new era, and the front office has continued to tinker with the roster in pursuit of championship contention. Bringing Smith back into the fold is both a nod to the past and a bet on the future—a gamble that his experience, versatility, and hunger will pay dividends in a league where every edge counts.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Smith and his battle for a roster spot. Will he thrive in a familiar environment, surrounded by new teammates and old memories? Or will the crowded Mavericks backcourt prove too steep a mountain to climb? One thing’s for sure: Dennis Smith Jr. isn’t backing down from the challenge. As he told ESPN, “I’m just excited for the opportunity to compete and show what I can do. Dallas is where it all started for me.”
With the NBA season on the horizon and the Mavericks’ roster picture still taking shape, Smith’s return adds a layer of intrigue to a team already brimming with storylines. Whether he emerges as a key contributor or simply pushes his teammates to new heights in practice, his journey stands as a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring appeal of a second chance.
So as Dallas gears up for another run in the ever-competitive Western Conference, the city welcomes back a highflier with unfinished business. For Dennis Smith Jr., it’s more than just a comeback—it’s a homecoming, and the next chapter is about to begin.
