Mavericks have a clear Dwight Powell move to make (and it's not re-signing him)

Longtime Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell is reportedly keen on returning to Dallas (subscription required) in free agency and has held dialogue with the franchise in hopes that he still "factors into their plans." Nonetheless, with 16 players under contract and Powell coming off his 12th season with the team, he doesn't necessarily fit into the Mavericks' long-term on-court plans. However, retaining Powell in some coaching capacity would be a win-win outcome for both parties.

Throughout his time with the organization, Powell has proven highly adaptable, coachable, and respected. The respect he's earned has surely given him the right to finish his career as a Maverick, but more importantly, it has made him an ideal candidate to transition into a coaching role with the franchise he's called home for so long.

How Powell went from trade throw-in to Mavericks mainstay

Powell notoriously came to Dallas in the trade that also sent Rajon Rondo to the Mavericks. Immediately overlooked as a second-round rookie who had appeared in just five games for the Boston Celtics, the former Stanford Cardinal was merely a throw-in in a trade centered around Rondo.

Yet, while Rondo fizzled, ultimately appearing in just 46 games with the Mavericks, Powell flourished. He earned a full-time bench role in his second season with the team and began consistently making starts in his fourth year.

Throughout his Mavericks career, the former 45th overall pick has tallied 4,964 points and 3,252 rebounds, ranking sixth all-time in franchise history in rebounds. He's also appeared in 763 games, the fifth-most in Mavericks history, while ranking fourth all-time in field goal percentage at 60.5 percent.

Powell has been a legitimately good contributor and has developed into a fan-favorite over his time in Dallas. But again, it's not only his contributions on the court that should be lauded; it's his potential impact off of it.

Why Powell's next chapter should come on the sidelines

As a 12-year veteran, Powell has been around the game for quite some time. He's learned from the best, played against them, and alongside them. That longevity gives Powell a unique credibility that few around the league possess.

Moreover, as a player who's built his success on fundamentals, intelligence, and skill, Powell's playing characteristics carry seamlessly over into coaching. He's never had to rely on athleticism so much as on the nuances of the game, like screening, positioning, and communication.

And, for what it's worth, with the Mavericks' roster shifting toward a bigger identity under the watchful eye of Masai Ujiri, Powell's skill set becomes even more valuable. The 6-foot-10 big man would be an ideal role model for younger players like No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr. Establishing proper fundamentals for a young big man is key to setting up a successful career, and Powell is living proof of that.

Although Powell wants to extend his playing career in Dallas, and rightfully so, the Mavericks just don't have the room for the 35-year-old. The Mavericks' roster is overloaded, and its frontcourt is already crowded.

Instead, a win-win outcome for both parties would be Powell transitioning into a coaching role with the organization he calls home. Dallas would retain a respected presence, while Powell would get the opportunity to continue impacting the franchise beyond his playing career.

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