BRANDON WILLIAMS FINALLY HAS A CONTRACT — AND SOME FINANCIAL SECURITY….

For many players, a call up to the NBA on a full contract would mean champagne, fireworks, and maybe even a night out on the town. But for Dallas Mavericks guard A.J. Lawson Williams, Thursday’s life-changing news was met not with celebration, but with focus. After years of bouncing on and off NBA rosters and living in the unpredictable world of two-way contracts, Williams’ breakthrough moment finally arrived—but he’s not stopping to take a victory lap just yet.

“I can’t celebrate,” he said calmly. “I’ve got to hit the ground running. I’ll celebrate after the season.”

That response perfectly encapsulates the mentality that’s gotten Williams to this point—a relentless, work-first mindset that has impressed teammates, coaches, and now earned him a standard two-year NBA contract with the Mavericks.

Prior to Friday’s win against the Toronto Raptors, Williams hadn’t played since March 29, when he dropped 12 points in 16 minutes against the Bulls. That game marked his 50th appearance on the active roster, the maximum allowed for a two-way player under NBA rules. Rather than risk losing him or letting that development stagnate, Dallas made their move.

“We’ve been watching him grow all year,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s soaked up every opportunity like a sponge.”

The Mavericks knew Williams was more than just a stopgap. They saw his work ethic behind the scenes and his hunger to improve—not just as a scorer, but as a complete NBA player.

A major factor in Williams’ evolution has been the presence of Kyrie Irving. Though Irving is out for the season with a torn ACL, he’s been an active mentor, offering guidance that’s gone far beyond the court.

“I call Kai for anything,” Williams said with a grin. “Sometimes it’s not even about basketball—I just needed some new beats. But he’s always there.”

Irving’s impact has been more than personal—it’s visible in Williams’ game. His ability to penetrate, finish at the rim, and make plays with poise is beginning to mirror some of the finesse Kyrie has built a career on.

“Being around Kai has definitely elevated his game,” Kidd added. “But what I love is that he didn’t wait for the moment—he earned it.”

Williams’ return to the floor against Toronto was nothing short of electric. In just 22 minutes, he scored 17 points on an ultra-efficient 7-for-8 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range. It was the kind of performance that made it easy to forget he hadn’t played in over two weeks.

“You’d think he’s been in the rotation all month,” Kidd said. “But that just speaks to how well he’s kept himself ready.”

The Journey Continues

Despite finally getting a degree of financial stability and a full roster spot, Williams’ hunger has only grown. With the regular season finale against Memphis and a high-stakes play-in game looming against Sacramento, the stakes are rising—and Williams knows it.

“I’m going to keep playing free,” he said. “That’s what got me here. I know the gravity of these moments, but I’ve got to stay aggressive. I’ve been on a two-way for a while, and now I just want to make an impact in any way I can.”

He may not be celebrating just yet, but one thing is certain—Williams has already won. Not with flashy headlines or viral highlights, but through patience, perseverance, and passion. Now, with the playoffs on the horizon, he’s not just part of the roster—he’s part of the mission. When the time is right, when the season ends and the grind slows down, maybe then he’ll celebrate, but for now? It’s all business.