The Dallas Mavericks plan to bring veteran center Dwight Powell to training camp on a formal invite, even with their standard 15-man roster already full. This development comes as the team looks to build from a recent 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, though their form over the last five games stands at 1 win and 4 losses.
Dwight Powell remains an unrestricted free agent after his three-year, $12 million contract with the Mavericks expired this summer. The 35-year-old big man has stayed in contact with the Dallas front office throughout the offseason. He has expressed a clear desire to play at least one more season in the NBA.
Powell was recently with the team at a player-organized minicamp in Los Angeles led by star guard Kyrie Irving. His presence there signaled ongoing mutual interest. According to league sources, the expectation is now that Powell will get that official camp invitation from the Mavericks.
Bringing Powell into camp provides experienced depth and continuity. He knows the system, the coaches, and his teammates intimately after multiple seasons in Dallas. His role has often been as a energy player off the bench, setting hard screens and finishing around the rim.
With a roster already at the 15-player limit, any move to sign Powell would require a corresponding transaction. But having him in camp keeps a trusted option readily available. It also allows the coaching staff to evaluate his fitness and fit against new personnel. The team's recent defensive struggles, including a 123-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on April 1, 2026, highlight areas where veteran know-how could help.
The training camp invite does not guarantee a regular season contract. It does, however, position Powell as the primary candidate should a roster spot open up due to injury, trade, or other moves. The Mavericks' front office will be evaluating every position closely during the preseason.
Other teams have shown interest in Powell this offseason, including the Los Angeles Lakers. His decision to attend the Mavericks' minicamp suggests a return to Dallas is his preferred outcome. The next step is the formal offer of the camp invite, which sources indicate is forthcoming.
For fans tracking the team's preparation, all upcoming dates can be found on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The team will need to improve on a tough stretch that saw losses to the Phoenix Suns 112-107 on April 9, 2026, and the Golden State Warriors 137-131 on March 24, 2026. Powell's potential return offers a familiar piece in the puzzle as they aim to build consistency.
