The Dallas Mavericks face a difficult roster decision on veteran center Dwight Powell as the October 19 deadline to finalize their opening day lineup approaches. Powell is on a non-guaranteed $3.8 million training camp contract, and the team's logjam at center puts his 13th season with the franchise in doubt. This comes as the team prepares for the 2026 NBA China Games in Macao, looking to improve after a recent 1W-4L stretch that included a 149-128 win over Chicago on April 13 but losses to Phoenix, Milwaukee, Golden State, and New Orleans.
The Mavericks currently have the maximum 15 standard NBA contracts. Their center position is crowded with Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Moussa Cisse, whose $2.2 million deal is now guaranteed. They also have combo bigs in rookie Morez Johnson Jr. and Santi Aldama. Keeping Powell would force the front office to waive or trade another player. If he makes the roster, Powell would claim sole possession of the second-most seasons in Mavericks history with 13, breaking a tie with Derek Harper and Brad Davis. Only Dirk Nowitzki's 21 seasons would be ahead of him.
Head coach Dusty May values Powell's presence. "Dwight could be a coach," May said. "He makes everyone around him better." The 35-year-old provides veteran leadership and consistent energy, but the numbers game creates a complex situation.
To retain their longest-tenured player, Dallas might part ways with another contract. One candidate is Tarik Biberovic, the EuroLeague sharpshooter acquired in a six-team trade to address three-point shooting. He is owed $3 million this season. Biberovic stated his commitment on Friday, saying he came to the NBA to make an impact, not only to be part of a team. His alignment with the front office suggests he wants to stay, but his contract could be moved.
Another possibility is forward Caleb Martin. He's healthy but figures to be at the back end of a crowded small forward rotation. The 31-year-old averaged a career-low 3.9 points and 2.5 rebounds last season. His age and role make him a potential piece in a trade scenario. The Mavericks' need to balance veteran presence with roster flexibility will define this choice.
This decision impacts both team culture and on-court strategy. Powell's locker room role is significant for a team integrating new pieces like Aldama and Johnson Jr. However, the Mavericks must build a roster capable of competing in a tough Western Conference. Their recent form shows inconsistency, with that high-scoring 149-128 win over the Bulls followed by four consecutive losses where defense was a problem.
Finalizing the roster by October 19 is the immediate next step. The preseason trip to Macao will offer Coach May more looks at his personnel. The choice between sentiment and roster construction is never easy. For Powell, the next two weeks will determine if he continues a career spent entirely in Dallas since his 2014 trade from Boston.
