NBA free agent Forward Kessler Edwards has agreed on a two-way NBA contract with the Dallas Mavericks sources told The Athletic and Stadium. Edwards, 23, averaged 3.5 points and 11.9 minutes across three seasons for the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings. Edwards’ 24th birthday is coming up on August 9, 2024.
Kessler’s older brother, Kameron, went undrafted at the 2020 NBA Draft out of Pepperdine University, where he played college basketball from 2015 to 2020. Kameron last played for the Ontario Clippers of the NBA G League. Like Kameron, Kessler played college basketball at Pepperdine University. Kessler was a part of the Pepperdine Waves from 2018 to 2021. Kessler was drafted with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets. Read on for the latest on Kessler.
Kessler Edwards Is Heading to Dallas
Kessler Edwards is heading to Dallas, Texas. Edwards reportedly signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, according to CBSSports.com. He last played for the Sacramento Kings, where he received a minimal role in the 2023-24 NBA season, averaging just 5.1 minutes across 54 regular-season appearances.
Edwards is set to split time between the Mavericks in Dallas and their NBA G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, in Frisco, Texas. He can benefit from his new team and possibly a change of scenery. He averaged just 1.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists, and then a 41.5% field goal percentage, in 2023-24.
Impact of Kessler Edwards’ Two-Way Contract
Kessler Edwards’ two-way contract has left the Dallas Mavericks with just one two-way contract spot left. It’s up in the air, but as of right now, Edwards’ new contract with the Mavericks can benefit both parties. Dallas arguably got a steal when they signed Edwards, as his 41.5% shooting from the field and 38.5% from downtown is good.
Edwards’ stats from last season are far from good, but his good shooting can make up for his shortcomings. Also, Edwards is a good, if not great, defender, thanks to his 6-foot-8 height and 6-foot-11 wingspan. He can give virtually any opposing player a hard time whenever he’s guarding him.
It’s important to note that Edwards’ ability to full-court press bigger ball handlers leaves no airspace for them. In addition, Edwards’ versatile defense has arguably been underrated over the past couple of NBA seasons. He’s a 3-and-D player that the Mavericks could use in the near future.
Kessler Edwards’ Potential Next Steps
Chances are, Kessler Edwards won’t play for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024-25 NBA season opener. Edwards will probably play for the Texas Legends to open the 2024-25 NBA G League season. He can sign a standard contract with the Mavericks after a season or two, as he’s one of the Mavericks’ 3-and-D players at the moment.
Mavericks fans might want to keep an eye on Edwards, as they might see more of the small forward moving forward. The Mavericks arguably made the right choice and added depth and potential to their roster because of Edwards’ defensive versatility, three-point shooting, and three-plus years of NBA experience.
Edwards has always been praised for his three-point shooting. The same thing will likely happen when he’s in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, whether he’s playing for the Mavericks or the Legends. After all, Edwards’ chances of becoming a valuable 3-and-D player for the Mavericks are quite high.
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