The Dallas Mavericks have gotten off to a pretty good start this season with a 4-2 record, keeping them ahead of schedule. However, before the season began, they were still trying to figure out the back end of their roster.
The Mavericks attempted to bring back 12-year veteran Dwight Powell, signing him to a training camp deal.
“The long-time Maverick will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot when the team opens training camp next week. Powell appeared in 63 games last season, starting 12, and averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II healthy, and the additions of Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr., Powell faces tough odds to earn rotation minutes if he makes the Opening Night roster,” NBC Sports’ Raphielle Johnson wrote.
However, Powell ultimately didn’t make the roster, as Dallas was unwilling to make a roster move just to keep him.
“The Dallas Mavericks waived longtime center Dwight Powell on Monday, likely ending his 12-year run with the franchise after he was the secondary piece in a trade that brought Rajon Rondo from Boston. Powell was a late add just as training camp started last month, raising the possibility of a 13th season with the Mavericks. Dallas already had the full allotment of 15 guaranteed contracts, so keeping Powell would have forced the team to release one of those players,” NBA.com wrote.
The center has now found a new home outside the NBA, marking the end of his run in the league for now.
“Source close to talks confirms Dwight Powell is signing with Turkish power Fenerbahçe to play for Šarūnas Jasikevičius. After 12 years in Dallas, Powell could not force his way onto the Mavs' roster in training camp with 15 guaranteed contracts ahead of him,” NBA insider Marc Stein posted.
This is a good opportunity for Powell as he enters the latter stages of his career. The team he is joining has won two EuroLeague titles, giving the veteran center a chance to compete for another championship.
Powell will likely be motivated after being let go by the only NBA team he has ever known. This is a new chapter in his career, and while his time in the NBA may be over for now, it doesn't necessarily mean he is done playing basketball at the highest level.
