NBA Trade Buzz: Mavericks sign Bronny James' G League teammate to fill big man void amid injury crisis

NBA insider Grant Afseth reported on Sunday that the Dallas Mavericks have signed big man Kylor Kelley to a two-way contract. The move followed the front office's decision to waive point guard Jazian Gortman. Dallas' roster moves are intended to help address the injury issues it's faced this season.

The Mavericks' injury report includes several players ahead of their Monday game against the Washington Wizards.

Point guard Dante Exum is recovering from wrist surgery and has been listed as out indefinitely. Big man Dereck Lively II is out because of a broken foot and could miss at least four weeks.

Additionally, more players in their frontcourt have suffered injuries. Dwight Powell is listed as day-to-day due to a hip issue. Forward Naji Marshall is also listed as day-to-day because of an illness. Backup big man Maxi Kleber broke his right foot and will be re-evaluated next week.

Lastly, All-Star Luka Doncic has not played since Dec. 27 due to a calf strain.

The injuries have made it difficult for the Mavs (24-22), who are ninth in the Western Conference. Dallas has only won four of its last 10 games and needs help, especially on their frontcourt.

Who is the newly signed Mavericks big man, Kylor Kelley?

Kelley is a 27-year-old big man who has spent most of his time in the G League. Before his professional career, however, the 7-foot frontcourt player played collegiate basketball for five years (2015-2020).

His first stint was with Northwest Christian University, where he averaged 8.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 blocks as a freshman. The following season, he had a consistent outing but didn't finish his sophomore year at the same school. Kelley transferred to Lane Community College and had a decent campaign, averaging 9.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 4.6 bpg. He was named to the Northwest Athletic Conference All-Defensive team.

He moved to Oregon State in his junior year. The big man's production slightly decreased as he averaged 7.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.3 bpg. Kelley finished his college career there and averaged 11.1 ppg, the first time he finished a season with double-digits in any category. He also had 5.3 rpg and 3.4 bpg.

In 2020, he went undrafted and signed with the San Antonio Spurs. However, he did not play a game for San Antonio and was waived. Kelley later became part of its G League team, the Austin Spurs.

Since then, he's bounced around the G League and has played for the Raptors 905 and Main Celtics. This season, Kelley has played for the South Bay Lakers, teaming up with Bronny James. In nine games this season, he's averaged 9.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 1.7 bpg.

The Mavericks are hopeful he can help the team amid the injuries of their frontcourt players.