The Dallas Mavericks have made a roster adjustment by waiving guard D'Moi Hodge just before the commencement of their official team training camp. This strategic move paves the way for Hodge to potentially join the Texas Legends, the Mavericks' G League affiliate, where he has the opportunity to further his career development and earn a significant bonus.
Dallas Mavericks Release D'Moi Hodge; Player Expected to Join G League Affiliate
In a recent development in the professional basketball world, the Dallas Mavericks organization, based in Dallas, Texas, announced the decision to waive guard D'Moi Hodge. This action, taken in mid-September 2025, precedes the official opening of the team's training camp for the upcoming season. Hodge, a 6-foot-4-inch wing player, initially joined the Mavericks earlier in the month on a non-guaranteed contract, which was widely believed to include Exhibit 10 clauses, though the precise details were not publicly disclosed. Despite going undrafted in 2023 after his collegiate career at Missouri, Hodge had previously secured a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. During his tenure with the Lakers, he participated in seven games, contributing an average of 2.0 points and 0.7 assists in approximately 5.9 minutes per appearance. The majority of his previous season was spent in the G League, where he split his time between the South Bay Lakers and the Rip City Remix. Across 30 games in the G League, he maintained averages of 12.6 points, 4.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.6 rebounds. Furthermore, Hodge gained international experience by playing for Aris Thessaloniki in Greece, where he averaged 7.1 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals over 15 EuroCup contests. According to reports from Keith Smith of Spotrac, Hodge is anticipated to link up with the Texas Legends, the official G League affiliate of the Mavericks. Should he remain with the Legends for a minimum of 60 days, he stands to receive a bonus of up to $85,300, in addition to his regular salary. This arrangement ensures that Hodge remains within the Mavericks' organizational ecosystem, providing him with a continued platform for growth and a pathway to stay on the radar of the main team.
This decision by the Mavericks highlights the fluid nature of NBA rosters, particularly for developing players like D'Moi Hodge. While being waived can often be seen as a setback, this specific move appears to be a calculated step designed to provide Hodge with a structured environment for continued development within the Mavericks' system. It underscores the increasing importance of the G League as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to make a lasting impact in the NBA, offering them valuable playing time and a chance to refine their skills under the watchful eyes of their parent club. This strategy benefits both the player, who gets to compete and potentially earn a bonus, and the organization, which can monitor his progress closely without committing a full roster spot.
