Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) warms up before the game against the LA Clippers in an NBA Cup game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) warms up before the game against the LA Clippers in an NBA Cup game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The 2026 offseason has seen the Dallas Mavericks undergo some extreme changes. With the franchise embracing a full-scale rebuild around Cooper Flagg, Dallas let go of several veterans, including Dwight Powell, to pave the way for the next generation.
For all intents and purposes, such an approach has merit, especially after they finished 12th in the West last season. However, as the team gears up for training camp ahead of the new campaign, a familiar face is set to join the team’s training camp roster.
According to a recent update by NBA insider Marc Stein, veteran free agent big man Dwight Powell will be invited to join the Mavericks’ training camp roster. He wrote:
“Dwight Powell was with the Mavericks this week at the Kyrie Irving-led minicamp in Los Angeles, and the expectation, league sources say, is that Powell will receive a formal training camp invite even though Dallas currently has a full roster with 15 standard NBA contracts.”
From being part of Kyrie Irving‘s minicamp in Los Angeles to being spotted having positive interactions with Mavericks head coach Dusty May, Dwight Powell still appears to have a strong connection with the franchise. But could he return to Dallas ahead of the new season?
Will Dwight Powell Regain His Spot On The Mavs’ Roster?
News of Dwight Powell’s attendance at Kyrie Irving’s minicamp and the report of him joining the Dallas Mavericks’ training camp roster is quite positive. As someone who has been with Dallas for the entirety of his career, the fan base will also look forward to his return. Unfortunately, this may not be possible.
For starters, as Marc Stein mentioned, Dallas has already used up its 15 standard contracts, using the 15th spot to sign Moussa Cisse after matching New York’s two-year, $4.7 million deal offer sheet. With all the roster spots occupied, the only way for Dwight Powell to regain his spot is by convincing the Mavericks to waive or offload a player in a trade to create enough space.
In all fairness, this isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Although Dallas is undergoing a rebuild and has focused on the development of young players, the presence of reliable veterans is also essential. With veterans like Kyrie Irving and Naji Marshall on the roster, the Mavericks have some solid veteran leaders. Still, one could argue that Powell brings more to the table.
Having joined the Mavericks during his rookie season (2014-15), the franchise’s culture is deeply ingrained in Dwight Powell. As one of the longest-tenured players on the Mavericks’ roster last season, the 35-year-old was a vital presence in the locker room.
Barring his leadership, Powell also has some performance upside. Although he isn’t as athletic as he used to be, the forward remains an effective rebounder and interior presence. Last season, he appeared in 63 games, averaging 3.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 steals per game in 14.9 minutes.
Realistically, even if Powell returned, he wouldn’t play a major role in the rotation. Instead, he would have a larger role as a mentor to younger players like Morez Johnson Jr. and Tarik Biberovic.
While there is merit to bringing Dwight Powell back, it seems quite unlikely. With the Mavericks turning their attention toward the future, re-signing the veteran big man does not align with their plans of developing their young core. Hence, Powell will likely remain on the market, potentially emerging as a target for teams seeking an upgrade at the trade deadline.