The Dallas Mavericks have guaranteed the contract of their young forward, Justin Anderson, for the 2018-19 season, per RealGM. The team decided to pick up their team option for the 22-year-old which will see his salary take a slight increase from $1.6 million this coming season to $2.52 million on the next one.
Anderson was selected by the Mavs with the 21st overall pick in the 2015 draft after three seasons with Virginia, where he made the All-American Third Team in his junior year. He was known as a lights-out shooter from three-point distance after averaging 45.2 percent in his last year in college. Being one of the taller guards at 6-foot-6, he also has the ability to rebound the ball.
Even if he was not able to make a huge impact in his rookie season in Dallas, the team sees him as part of their future. It is also expected that Anderson will play an increased role this year and get more time on the court. He'll get a chance to eclipse his averages from last year of 3.8 points, and 2.4 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game.
Anderson's versatility in playing both the two and three positions will also help his case of being given more minutes by head coach Rick Carlisle. With Wesley Matthews and Harrison Barnes both expected to start, Anderson is a possible candidate to relieve either of one of them and become the first player off the Mavs' bench.
With Anderson's contract now guaranteed for the next two seasons, it makes the future of the Mavericks brighter as they continue to invest in younger talents that will help them be successful even after their veterans finish their careers.