NBA rumors: Cavaliers have interest in Dallas Mavericks free agent big man

The Dallas Mavericks have seven soon-to-be free agents on their roster, including two starters. Re-signing Kyrie Irving is the team’s top priority, but the eight-time All-Star is an unrestricted free agent. Head coach Jason Kidd believes he will return, but it is no guarantee.

Starting center Dwight Powell is also an unrestricted free agent. He spent parts of nine seasons with the Mavs, but the 6’10 big man has often been on the wrong end of the wrath of Mavs' Twitter. Powell is a strong pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic, but he struggles to rebound and protect the rim.

The Mavs desperately need a center upgrade this offseason, but they are hoping to keep Powell. Will he be willing to take a pay cut to stay in Dallas as the backup center? It appears that DP has interest from other teams as his free agency nears.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: Cavaliers have interest in Dwight Powell in free agency

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com noted that the Cavaliers will be searching for a third big man behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley this summer. He noted Mason Plumlee and Naz Reid as primary targets with the Cavs likely looking at four other options, including Dwight Powell.

DP is a fine backup big man in a 15 to 20-minute per-game role. He will provide energy off the bench and create some easy buckets with his screen-setting ability. Powell is not a game-changer. He will struggle to stay on the floor in the postseason, but the 6’10 big man is a serviceable backup center got pressed into starting in Dallas because the Mavericks did not have a better option.

The Cavs want DP to play a backup role behind Allen. He could quickly develop chemistry with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland as Cleveland looks to take the next step in 2024.

Will the Cleveland Cavaliers steal Dwight Powell away from the Dallas Mavericks this summer? The Mavs will have to acquire a big man or two because Christian Wood and Markieff Morris are also free agents. Maxi Kleber is the only trusted big man left on the roster with JaVale McGee and Davis Bertans available to play spot roles.

Dallas is facing a crucial offseason, and the pressure is on. They have to get things right or their biggest fear could become a reality in 2024. What moves will the Mavericks make? Can they get back into contention next season? Stay tuned to find out.