Mavericks' Dwight Powell dilemma has a painful answer he won't like

The Dallas Mavericks have 16 players on standard contracts ahead of the 2026-27 season, meaning they need to offload at least one player before the season begins. Dallas doesn't have room to enter next season with the roster as is, and the Mavericks' full roster means that they don't have the space to bring in any free agents. This includes Dwight Powell.

The Mavericks are in a clear dilemma with the 35-year-old big man, as they have to choose between loyalty and logic as they enter the first year of the Dusty May era in Dallas. While bringing back Powell has some benefits, the roadmap for what the team needs to do with the 12-year veteran should be clear. Powell is a Mavs legend in his own way, but it's time for Dallas to move on.

Mavericks shouldn't re-sign Dwight Powell

Powell is the longest-tenured player on the team, is No. 5 on the all-time games-played list for Dallas, and is an incredible leader. It would make sense for the Mavericks to keep such an influential player on their roster for as long as possible, especially as they begin to build around Cooper Flagg and return to the playoffs.

Few players in franchise history represent the Mavericks better on and off the court, and his locker-room presence is invaluable. Despite this, Dallas can't afford to bring him back. They're not in the same situation they once were, and this could unfortunately come at the cost of Powell's roster spot.

Their depth chart is already filled to the brim, and using a valuable spot on a player who doesn't provide as much of an on-court impact anymore is an extremely risky proposition. Powell has played just 12.7 minutes per game over the last three seasons, and his days of being a reliable option off the bench are behind him. The hustle, rebounding, energy, and leadership are all still there, and even though DP wants to return, Dallas shouldn't give in.

Powell wants to come back, but this shouldn't influence Dallas' decision

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that "Dwight Powell and his representatives have maintained a dialogue with the club in hopes that he still factors into their plans somehow."

Powell hopes to play at least one more season (subscription required), putting Dallas in an even tougher position. Having to potentially part with a player in free agency who has played over 750 games for the franchise is already hard enough. Not re-signing him despite his desire to be part of the team is even harder.

Powell likely won't like this answer to the Mavericks' situation with him, as he has turned down more lucrative offers from other teams to stay in Dallas in the past, but it makes the most sense for both sides. Dallas' frontcourt already has a massive logjam, and adding Powell to the mix would make things even more complicated. The Mavericks also need developmental minutes for Moussa Cisse and Morez Johnson Jr., and Powell's role is poised to be even smaller than it has been over the last few seasons if they keep him around.

Saying goodbye to Powell would be hard for the franchise and fans, as he has gone from a throw-in in the Rajon Rondo trade in 2014 to a player who has started over 250 games for the team. He's one of the most respected players to ever don a Mavericks jersey, and making the decision to let him walk in free agency won't be easy.

Powell's desire to play a 13th season in the NBA is remarkable, and he's given the Mavericks everything he can, but it no longer makes sense to give him a roster spot. This is a harsh truth that Dallas needs to accept if they haven't already, and it's time to part ways with the longtime Maverick.

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