Mavericks' new signing just set them up to pull off unexpected trade with powerhouse

The Dallas Mavericks finally solved their guard dilemma this week when they signed D'Angelo Russell to a two-year deal on Monday night. Dallas then further solidified their backcourt by signing Dante Exum to a one-year contract. This now solidifies Kyrie Irving's replacement options, as the team desperately needed players to run the offense.

Exum's signing, though, means bad news for other players. Basically, Dallas has 16 players on their roster with standard deals. The team needs to make a trade to help clear up some room for Exum. Olivier-Maxence Prosper has been mentioned in rumors, and fans have speculated that they should trade Jaden Hardy. Although it's possible someone like Dwight Powell could also be thrown around.

Powell has been mentioned as trade bait before. He is one of the team's most established veterans and the primary vocal piece in the locker room. The problem is he never amounted to anything more than just a primary backup center. He lacked the skills and assets to compete with other big men in the West. This has caused his minutes to decline over the past couple of seasons.

Mavs' fan-favorite big man could be a trade option for the Pacers

So why Dwight Powell? What team could possibly show interest in the Mavs' third-string center?

For starters, no team has officially brought up Powell in trade talks. His name, though, did get thrown around this week when Mavs reporter Brad Townsend speculated about Powell's potential interest on the trade market. He questioned whether a team like the Indiana Pacers could show interest in Powell. This could be a possibility, as they just lost Myles Turner and are thin at the center position. Not to mention, coach Rick Carlisle has a strong connection with Powell.

Carlisle coached Powell from 2014-21. He played a key role in helping him develop and grow within the Mavs' system. Carlisle even spoke highly of Powell when he was in Dallas. He enjoyed his work ethic and ability to adapt to whatever situation was thrown at him. This allowed Powell to see an increase in minutes, as he averaged a career high 26.5 minutes per game during the 2019-20 season.

It makes sense why Indiana would be a possibility for Powell. The Pacers' leading center is Tony Bradley, who played in just 14 games last season but was quietly a key piece of the rotation in the playoffs. Plus, with the free agency market being limited, Indiana might be desperate for options.

Yet, even if Dallas can't find a trade package to work for Indiana, they have other options to consider. The team could trade Powell along with moving Hardy or Prosper, as they might need to make a move for Kai Jones as well. Jones is a younger, fast-paced center who caught the Mavs' attention last season. He could work well behind Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, giving them an extra presence off the bench who can step up when someone is out with an injury. So, there is that option too.

However, the main thing will be making room for Exum. Dallas, as mentioned, could trade Hardy or Prosper to create space. Powell is also another option to consider, as a team like Indiana might show interest. It wouldn't hurt to try out a package for Powell. Plus, with Nico Harrison's new game plan, he has shown that loyalty does not hold the same weight it once did in Dallas. So, basically, why not start fresh and move Powell to improve the roster?

So, what is Dallas waiting for? Why not call the Pacers and convince Carlisle's squad to take on Powell's contract? Dallas will need to make moves if it wants to add other players. Powell has had a great run in Dallas and made a major impact with the team, but sometimes things must come to an end.