DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are parting ways with veteran center Dwight Powell, bringing an end to his 12-season run with the franchise as the team finalizes its roster for the 2026-27 NBA season.
The move was reported Monday by ESPN’s Shams Charania, as Dallas prepares to open the regular season with its roster limited to 15 standard contracts. Powell was the only player on the team’s 16 standard contracts without a fully guaranteed salary.
Powell, 35, originally joined Dallas in a December 2014 trade with the Boston Celtics. Over the years, he became a dependable frontcourt presence and one of the organization’s longest-serving players, contributing through multiple eras of Mavericks basketball.
He appeared in 763 regular-season games for Dallas, averaging 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 60.5% from the field. He also played a role in the team’s postseason runs, including its trips to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024.
Last season, Powell appeared in 63 games, averaging 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per contest.
Dallas re-signed Powell on Sept. 25, but the team ultimately had to make a difficult roster decision. The move could help preserve a spot for young center Moussa Cissé, whom the Mavericks retained after matching an offer sheet from the New York Knicks during the offseason.
Powell’s departure closes a significant chapter in Mavericks history. His experience, professionalism and willingness to handle the less glamorous aspects of the game made him a valued presence in the locker room.
Up next: The Mavericks open their regular season Wednesday against the Houston Rockets in Houston.
