4 signs that Dwight Powell will return to the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks made one of the worst trades in franchise history on December 18, 2014. Those that don't remember this day won't understand how painful this trade was for the team and fans.

The Mavericks traded Brandon Wright, Jameeer Nelson, Jae Crowder, and multiple draft picks to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Rajon Rondo and a rookie from Stanford. The rookie had just played in five games before he was traded, and Mavericks fans didn't know who he was.

This trade was awful for the Mavericks as Rondo destroyed team chemistry and quit on his team. Rondo didn't want to be on the court in the playoffs that year, and it was obvious.

4 signs that Dwight Powell will return to the Dallas Mavericks

The other player from the trade is the complete opposite of Rondo. He has a great attitude and helps team chemistry rather than destroy it. People thought of him as a throw-in from the Rondo trade. Now he's tenth on the Dallas Mavericks' all-time games played list and has started 243 games in Dallas.

If you haven't figured it out already, this player is Dwight Powell.

He is one of the most scrutinized players in Mavericks history, and Dallas has a tough decision to make this summer regarding the nine-year NBA veteran. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Dallas has a lot on their plate.

They can let him walk and sign elsewhere or bring him back on a small contract. Powell likely won't get much attention on the free agent market, and it seems like the conclusion from Mavs fans is that they don't want him back.

Regardless of what the fans want, all signs are pointing to Powell re-signing with Dallas.

Here's four signs that his return is almost certain.

4. Dwight Powell's return has already been rumored by a reliable source

Tim McMahon of ESPN hosts a YouTube series called Howdy Partners and discussed Dwight Powell's possible return to Dallas in free agency in April.

"I think Dwight Powell will be back on a minimum, to be honest with you."

Tim McMahon

McMahon is one of the most reliable sources when it comes to news surrounding the Dallas Mavericks, and I think his hunch is correct. He is plugged into the team on a daily basis and can likely get a feel of what the team wants to do in certain situations.

Like anything, when you hang around people for a certain amount of time, you get to know their tendencies and can start reading them.

There is even a chance that someone from inside the organization let him know that they're bringing back Powell. This is merely a rumor right now, but if McMahon thinks they are bringing back Powell, there's a good chance it will happen.

McMahon mentioned that it would be a veteran's minimum contract, and that wouldn't be the worst thing for Dallas. They have already paid him around $71 million throughout his entire career, and a veteran's minimum for a solid backup center would be a bargain for Dallas. Although both sides would be happy, this would infuriate fans.

3. Dwight Powell is always around the team, even as a free agent

Often when an NBA player is a free agent, they are never or rarely spotted at their team's facilities over the summer.

They typically work out on their own with a trainer as they will be testing the waters of free agency and don't know where they will be playing next season. It can also help them with contract negotiations, as they can say they've been in contact with other teams and don't know if they'll be returning.

This is the case most of the time, but not always.

One particular free agent that is always at the Dallas Mavericks' facility is Dwight Powell. He is always on the Mavericks' social media channels working out at the facility, making videos with Maxi Kleber, or even visiting Mavs Hoop Camp, as we saw on Powell's personal Instagram on Monday. He captioned that photo with "#MFFL."

Although this could just be Powell being a good teammate and giving back to the community, it seems like both sides know that he is coming back. It would be unusual if he was always around the team this summer, and they decided to not re-sign him.

This seems like a verbal deal could already done.

2. Dwight Powell's market looks to be limited

Dwight Powell has career averages of 7.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game. These numbers aren't great for a starting big man but aren't bad for a backup big. Last season Powell scored 6.7 points per game and started in 64 of 76 games he played.

Those numbers aren't great, and he likely won't draw much attention in free agency. He is a 31-year-old big man that can't shoot, isn't the best rebounder, and isn't a rim protector. Powell is a solid rim runner, but his game is limited. Not many teams will want an aging rim runner that can't shoot and doesn't have good size.

One thing Powell can do is hustle. That can't be taught, and he gives his all in every game he plays. That could help him draw some attention, but teams could know that he'll return to Dallas.

The only team with reported interest in Powell is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported this in May, and no other news of interest in Powell has been reported.

With not much of a market for him, Powell will likely want to stay in Dallas. He has been here for almost his entire career, and Dallas is all he knows.

1. Dwight Powell is a true Dallas Maverick

Regardless of what fans and media say, Dwight Powell is the definition of a true Dallas Maverick. He never says anything negative to the media, plays his role, his teammates love him, and is dedicated to the Dallas community.

Powell has been nominated for the Bob Lanier NBA Community Assist Award three times and is a finalist this year. He is always seen serving the community, showing love to fans, and giving back to the city of Dallas in any way he can. Powell may love Dallas more than anyone on the team, and he gets little to no love.

Sure, his on-court performance isn't on par with other starting centers around the league, but this is the situation that Dallas put him in.

He would thrive off the bench as he brings energy and hustles, but Dallas hasn't brought in a starting caliber center to send Powell to a reserve role. He remains the starting center because there isn't anyone much better than him at center on the roster.

It's not Powell's fault that Dallas has struggled to bring in a starting-caliber center in free agency. He does his best, and shouldn't be scrutinized for the front office failing to add a starting big.

He is the definition of what a Dallas Maverick should look like in the way he treats his teammates, plays his role, and serves the community. There aren't many players in the league like Powell, and Dallas likely realizes that.

Stay tuned to see what happens with Powell in free agency and if the Mavericks bring him back. This summer could be a crazy one for Mavs fans, and we'' have you covered.