Training for two years! Officially cut! The Mavericks gave up the first round pick of genius

On August 31, the Mavericks officially announced: Use extended clauses to cut off 2023 first-round pick Prosper. After just two years of training, why give up? The Mavericks' move is to make room for Exam to renew his contract. Before the layoffs, the Mavericks were $1.58 million away from the second rich line, but it would take $2.3 million to renew Exam.

Prosper's rookie contract is $13.87 million in four years, with a salary of $3 million next season, and the 2026-27 season is the team's option. The Mavericks paid the $3 million in three years, 1 million a year. During this offseason, the Mavericks have been trying to trade and send Prosper away, even if they change a second round pick, but unfortunately the transaction failed.

Let me first introduce Prosper, born on July 3, 2002, is 2.03 meters tall and has a wingspan of 2.16 meters. He played in the NCAA for three years before running. In the 2022-23 season, Prosper averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.4 turnovers at Marquette University, with three shooting percentages: 51.2%, 33.9%, and 73.5%. In the 2023 NBA Draft, Prosper was selected by the Kings with the 24th pick in the first round. On July 7, 2023, in order to clear Holmes' contract, the King packaged Prosper and Holmes to the Mavericks, only in exchange for one special transaction. In his rookie season, Prosper played 40 games with the Mavericks, averaging only 8.4 minutes per game. In the second season of his career, Prosper played 52 games and averaged 11.2 minutes per game. On March 8 this year, Prosper suffered a injury on his right wrist and was reimbursed for the season. In two years, he played 92 games, including 5 starters. He averaged 10 minutes per game, scored 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds, and shot from three events: 39.6%, 26%, and 65.8%.

From college to the NBA, Prosper's projection has not been practiced for three years. Originally, there was the potential to become a 3D forward, but unfortunately the offensive skills were rough. Last season, the Mavericks were full of wounded soldiers, and Prosper was reused, but failed to seize the opportunity. In the second half of the regular season, I was reimbursed for my injury! Let’s take a look at his shooting hot map last season:

NBA stipulates that a two-way contract can be signed without more than four years of career, and Prosper is still qualified. Draft expert Sam Vecenie said: "Prosper is definitely worth a two-way contract! His athleticism and physical fitness are top-notch, and he can contribute to the defensive end. If I were management, I would definitely be willing to take some small risks for him."

Finally, I talk about Exam, born on July 13, 1995. Despite having been struggling in the NBA for many years, Exam has just turned 30. Exam was the No. 5 pick in the first round in 2014. In October 2021, he was cut by the Rockets and left the NBA to play in Europe. He joined the Mavericks in the summer of 2023 and successfully returned to the NBA.

Exham suffered from injuries in his NBA career. In October 2024, he underwent right wrist surgery; in March 2025, he suffered another fracture in his left hand. He only played 20 games last season, with 13 starting games. He averaged 18.6 minutes per game, scored 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists, and shot from three events: 47.8%, 43.4%, and 74.2%.

Finally welcome discussion: If the Mavericks can stay healthy, do you think they can be the top three in the West?