Mavericks Waive Dwight Powell, Ending 12-Season Run in Dallas

An era in Dallas ended Monday when the Mavericks waived veteran center Dwight Powell, likely closing a 12-season run with the franchise. Dallas announced the move ahead of the NBA’s regular-season roster deadline, choosing not to carry Powell into opening night after bringing him back on a training-camp contract in September. The 35-year-old had become the longest-tenured player on the Mavericks roster.

Powell arrived in Dallas in December 2014 as part of the Rajon Rondo trade and ultimately became the deal’s longest-lasting piece. He played 763 games for the Mavericks, ranking fifth in franchise history, while also finishing among Dallas’ leaders in field-goal percentage, offensive rebounds, total rebounds and blocks. His role changed repeatedly through different coaches, stars and roster constructions, but his professionalism and work around the basket kept him in Dallas far longer than almost anyone could have predicted when he arrived.

The roster math finally ended the run. Dallas already had 15 guaranteed contracts, meaning keeping Powell would have required sacrificing another player. Team president Masai Ujiri praised Powell as a consummate professional and emphasized his impact on teammates and the Dallas community. Powell may no longer be on the opening-night roster, but after more than a decade with one franchise, this is more than a routine waiver—it marks the end of one of the Mavericks’ longest modern tenures.