BREAKING: Dwight Powell has been waived by the Dallas Mavericks. Sources confirm that the coaching staff was not satisfied with his output during recent offseason workouts, leading the organization to part ways.

End of an Era: Dallas Mavericks Part Ways with Veteran Leader Dwight Powell

The Dallas Mavericks have made a stunning and difficult roster adjustment, officially parting ways with veteran center Dwight Powell. The move comes just days after the organization initially brought back the long-tenured big man for training camp, signaling a sudden shift in direction as the franchise evaluates its final pieces ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

According to league sources, the decision was heavily influenced by evaluations from the coaching staff during the opening wave of offseason workouts and early camp sessions. While Powell’s unmatched professionalism, leadership, and institutional knowledge have made him a beloved fixture in Dallas for over a decade, the rigorous demands of a shifting rotation ultimately forced the front office’s hand. Internal concerns regarding his on-court output and lateral mobility during high-intensity scrimmages led management to conclude that the team needed to head in a different direction with its final roster spots.

A Storied Twelve-Year Run in Dallas

Powell’s journey with the Mavericks is deeply woven into the modern history of the franchise. Acquired via trade from the Boston Celtics back in December 2014 during his rookie season, the Stanford product quickly carved out a niche as an elite pick-and-roll partner, a high-energy rebounder, and one of the hardest-working players in the league.

Over twelve seasons in a Mavericks uniform, Powell appeared in hundreds of games, famously bouncing back from a devastating Achilles tendon tear in January 2020 to reclaim a vital rotational role. He was a foundational locker-room presence during the team’s transition eras, mentoring countless young players and serving as a crucial emotional anchor during their run to the 2024 NBA Finals. Last season, the veteran big man appeared in 63 games (making 12 starts), averaging 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in roughly 14 minutes per contest while shooting an efficient 64.4 percent from the field.

Roster Crunch and the Path Forward

The Mavericks entered training camp facing a complex numbers game. With a crowded frontcourt featuring emerging young talents and standard roster constraints, management had little room for error. Although Powell was brought back on a partially guaranteed deal to provide veteran stability—especially with center depth recovering from minor injuries—recent practices made it clear that the coaching staff required a different tactical profile from the backend of the bench.

By cutting ties now, the Mavericks give Powell absolute freedom to explore the next chapter of his professional career, whether that involves pursuing an opportunity with another NBA franchise looking for veteran mentorship or transitioning to a new phase altogether.

For Mavericks fans, seeing Powell leave the organization is undeniably emotional. He leaves Texas not just with impressive statistical milestones, but as a standard-bearer for culture, resilience, and unselfish team play. As Dallas pivots toward its opening tip-off, the front office will look to fill the newly opened flexibility with pieces capable of injecting immediate impact into a reloaded rotation.