Dallas Mavericks Sign Tyler Smith to Two-Way Deal in First Vipers Call-Up of Season

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Dallas Mavericks have signed Tyler Smith to a two-way contract, marking the first NBA call-up of the 2025-26 season for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Smith appeared in 19 regular-season games for the Vipers this year, averaging 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. His production on both ends of the floor helped position him for the opportunity at the next level.

Before joining Rio Grande Valley, Smith played eight Tip-Off Tournament games with the Capital City Go-Go, where he averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

The call-up is the 56th in franchise history for the Vipers, who are the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets. The Vipers are four-time G League champions, capturing titles in 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2022.

The NBA G League continues to serve as the NBA’s official minor league system, with 31 teams for the 2025-26 season. More than half of players on end-of-season 2024-25 NBA rosters previously had G League experience.

For Smith, the two-way deal now provides a pathway to split time between Dallas and its G League affiliate as he looks to make an impact at the NBA level.