The Dallas Mavericks have waived veteran center Dwight Powell, the team confirmed on Saturday. The decision ends Powell's long tenure with the franchise as Dallas opts to retain younger center Moussa Cisse on the roster. This roster shuffle follows a preseason where defensive issues were evident, including a 111-135 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on October 16.
Dallas re-signed Powell this offseason with a promise to clear a roster spot for him. But their efforts to trade another player and create that space failed. Head coach Dusty May praised Powell's locker room presence throughout camp. The choice ultimately came down to Powell or second-year player Moussa Cisse. The Mavericks matched an offer sheet from the New York Knicks for Cisse this summer, showing their investment in his potential.
Cisse is a raw athlete who needs work on his hands and offensive skills. Several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers, were monitoring his availability. Waiving a player with that much league-wide interest would have been a questionable move. So the front office decided Powell was the odd man out.
Powell is the more polished player right now, especially on offense. But the Mavericks are building for a future centered around Cooper Flagg. Powell is nearing the end of his career, while Cisse represents a developmental project. Dallas has the depth to allow Cisse to grow without immediate pressure.
The center rotation now features Daniel Gafford, rookie Morez Johnson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Dereck Lively II when healthy. That group can handle the bulk of the minutes. Cisse can develop in practice and spot duty, potentially earning a larger role by season's end. The team could revisit bringing Powell back later if a trade opens a spot, but developing youth is the priority now.
The preseason highlighted areas the Mavericks must improve. After a 132-115 win over Houston on October 11, they dropped their final two contests. Protecting the paint and perimeter defense were consistent problems.
Waiving Powell shows a commitment to a new defensive identity and athleticism. The move is about future flexibility as much as current performance. Dallas gets one final look at their updated roster in a preseason rematch against the Houston Rockets on October 21. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The immediate focus is the final preseason game against the Rockets. It's a last chance for Coach May to evaluate rotations before the regular season begins. All eyes will be on how the center minutes are distributed among Gafford, Johnson Jr., and Aldama. Cisse will likely get some run to see how he handles extended action.
This decision closes a significant chapter for the Mavericks. Dwight Powell was a dependable role player for over a decade, known for his screens, rolls, and energy. But the NBA is a business oriented toward the future. Dallas is betting that Moussa Cisse's upside and their existing frontcourt depth make this a necessary, if tough, basketball move.
