Dwight Powell: Dallas Mavericks Waived Veteran Center After 12 Seasons

Dwight Powell is a Canadian professional basketball player whose long association with the Dallas Mavericks ended on October 19, 2026, when the franchise officially waived him ahead of the new NBA regular season. The decision brought an end to his 12-season run with Dallas, where he became one of the team’s most experienced players and a respected presence in the locker room.

Powell’s departure has attracted attention from NBA fans because of his longevity, reliable role as a center, and contributions to the Mavericks over several different eras. Although his playing time declined during his final season, he remained known for his screening, rebounding, work ethic, and team-first approach.

Why Did the Dallas Mavericks Waive Dwight Powell?

The Dallas Mavericks waived Dwight Powell on October 19, 2026, as the team finalized its roster for the 2026–27 NBA season. Dallas confirmed the transaction in an official announcement.

Powell had returned to the Mavericks on a training-camp contract in September. However, the team faced a difficult roster decision as it prepared to meet the NBA’s limit of 15 standard contracts. Keeping Powell would have required Dallas to make another move involving a player on a guaranteed contract.

The Mavericks ultimately chose to retain their younger frontcourt options, including Moussa Cisse, rather than give Powell a place on the regular-season roster. The decision reflected the team’s roster priorities rather than a lack of appreciation for the veteran center.

Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri praised Powell’s professionalism, dedication, and contributions to the Dallas community. The organization also thanked him for his 12 seasons with the franchise.

For supporters, the announcement marked the end of an important chapter in Mavericks history.

Dwight Powell NBA Stats and Career Numbers

Powell built a reputation as an efficient interior player who could finish around the basket, set screens, rebound, and support his teammates. His career statistics reflect a role player who contributed beyond scoring.

According to NBA.com, Powell appeared in 763 regular-season games for Dallas, averaging 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Statistics are regular-season figures reported by the team and NBA coverage; minor differences can occur between sources and reporting dates.

Powell’s field-goal percentage stands out among his career numbers. He generally took high-percentage shots near the rim instead of relying on perimeter scoring. His ability to finish pick-and-roll plays helped him remain useful in Dallas for more than a decade.

Dwight Powell’s Best NBA Seasons

Powell enjoyed some of his most productive seasons before his role became more limited.

• 2018–19: He averaged a career-high 10.6 points per game.

• 2019–20: He recorded a career-best 5.7 rebounds per game.

• 2021–22: He started 71 regular-season games and all 18 of Dallas’ playoff games during the team’s run to the Western Conference finals.

   

These seasons demonstrated his value as a mobile center who could complement Dallas’ primary scorers.

Dwight Powell’s 2025–26 Season Stats

Powell played 63 games for the Mavericks during the 2025–26 season, including 12 starts. He averaged 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.3 minutes per game.

His numbers were lower than those from the best years of his career. Nevertheless, he continued to provide experience and frontcourt depth.

The Mavericks also evaluated Powell during the 2026 preseason after bringing him back to training camp. His appearance in three preseason games was not enough to secure a place on the final roster.

Was Dwight Powell Traded or Waived by Dallas?

Dwight Powell was waived, not traded, in October 2026.

His earlier move to Dallas, however, came through a trade. On December 18, 2014, the Mavericks acquired Powell and Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics in a multi-player deal.

Powell was a secondary piece in the transaction, but his career developed differently from Rondo’s. While Rondo’s Dallas stint was brief, Powell remained with the Mavericks for nearly 12 years.

His October 2026 departure was instead a roster-management decision. Dallas needed to finalize its standard contracts before the regular season, and the team elected to keep other players.

What Happens Next for Dwight Powell?

Following his release, Powell can pursue another NBA opportunity, subject to the league’s waiver process. If another team claims him, he could continue his playing career elsewhere. If he clears waivers, he would be able to explore available opportunities as a free agent.

His experience, efficient finishing, and understanding of NBA defensive schemes could appeal to teams looking for a veteran center. However, a new contract is not guaranteed, and his next destination has not been confirmed in the reports cited here.

For Dallas, the move opens a new chapter as the franchise develops its roster around younger players and other established contributors.

Dwight Powell’s Legacy With the Dallas Mavericks

Powell’s importance to Dallas went beyond his statistics. He played through multiple eras of the franchise, from Dirk Nowitzki’s final seasons to the Luka Doncic years and the arrival of Cooper Flagg.

He also contributed during the Mavericks’ 2024 NBA Finals run. His screening, energy, and willingness to take on difficult assignments made him a useful teammate even when he was not a leading scorer.

Powell ranks fifth in Mavericks history in regular-season games played, fourth in career field-goal percentage, and among the franchise’s top players in rebounding and blocks.

His longevity is particularly notable because he was a second-round selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. Powell turned a supporting role into a 12-season career with one franchise, earning recognition for his consistency and professionalism.

The Mavericks’ decision to waive him closes that chapter, but it does not erase his contributions to the organization or the Dallas community.

Conclusion

Dwight Powell’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks on October 19, 2026, ended a remarkable 12-season association with the NBA franchise. Although his production declined during his final year, he remained a respected veteran whose screening, rebounding, and leadership helped the team in different ways.

Powell was waived to accommodate Dallas’ roster plans, not traded to another team. His next career move remains uncertain, but his long tenure and place among the Mavericks’ franchise statistical leaders ensure that he will be remembered as an important supporting player in Dallas basketball history.