5 Dallas Mavericks players whose roles aren't safe after the trade deadline

4. Dwight Powell

Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell did not touch the floor in Dallas' win over the Washington Wizards, and Dereck Lively II didn't even play in that game.

Now that Dallas has Lively II and Daniel Gafford as options at the five spot, it seems that Powell's role will diminish tremendously. Maxi Kleber has also been playing the five, but the addition of Gafford could allow him to switch back to his true position at power forward. Kleber is capable of playing the five and has played well as of late, but switching him to power forward could help unlock his full potential.

Considering that Lively II was out of the lineup with an injury before Dallas traded for Gafford, Powell's role will diminish even more once Lively II returns. Lively II being out allowed Powell to play more, and he was rebounding well and playing better.

Since the trade, Powell has only played SIX minutes and looks like a non-factor. Powell will continue to be a great locker room presence and bring energy to the bench, but it doesn't look like fans will get to see him on a nightly basis as they have since the 2014-15 season.

Powell has the skills to receive spot minutes, but Dallas adding a better backup big man was crucial.