The Dallas Mavericks waived veteran forward/center Dwight Powell on Monday, ending his 12-year run with the franchise. This move, made by first-year team president Masai Ujiri, signals a definitive end of an era for the roster's longest-tenured player. The decision comes as the Mavericks finalize their squad following a 111-135 preseason loss to the Atlanta Hawks on October 16.
Dwight Powell was the consummate professional and locker room glue guy for over a decade. Team president Masai Ujiri stated Powell "embodies everything you want in someone representing your organization." Ujiri highlighted his tireless work ethic, his role as an incredible teammate, and his significant impact within the Dallas community. Powell's statistical legacy is etched in the franchise record books. He ranks fourth in career field goal percentage at .606, fifth in games played with 763, and sixth in both offensive rebounds (1,188) and total rebounds (3,251). At the time of his waiver, he was the third-longest-tenured player with a single team in the entire NBA, trailing only Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
His on-court role evolved into that of a reliable reserve. Over his 12 Dallas seasons, Powell averaged 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. His production last season in 2025-26 saw him appear in 63 games, starting 12, while putting up 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per contest. He also played in three preseason games this October, averaging 1.3 points and 3.7 assists. Beyond the stats, Powell was famously known for his willingness to absorb contact, particularly blows to the face while battling for rebounds. A fan-run social media account dedicated to this quirk, "The Dwight's Face Community," released a heartfelt tribute celebrating his unique contribution to Mavericks fandom.
Teammate Kyrie Irving spoke highly of Powell's departure. "He'll really be missed," Irving said. "He gave a lot to the franchise." Irving emphasized how Powell represented the city of Dallas both on and off the court. Head coach Dusty May addressed speculation about a potential coaching role for Powell, clarifying that such a move "hasn't been discussed at this point." The focus remains on Powell's next playing opportunity, with the organization expressing unified support for his future.
Waiving Dwight Powell has immediate implications for the team's composition. The move brings the Mavericks' roster down to 17 players, which includes two on two-way contracts. That leaves exactly 15 players on full-time NBA contracts, the maximum allowed for the start of the regular season. The decision finalizes the group that head coach Dusty May will take into the new campaign. It shows a shift in team identity under President Ujiri, moving on from a beloved veteran to solidify the current roster build.
This roster finalization follows a mixed preseason slate. The Mavericks' most recent result was a 111-135 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks on October 16. Other preseason games included a 97-101 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on October 14 and a split with the Houston Rockets, winning 132-115 on October 11 after losing 117-135 on October 9. Their next and final preseason fixture is a rematch against the Houston Rockets on the road October 21. Powell's release turns the page as Dallas prepares to convert preseason lessons into regular-season execution.
