The 2026-27 NBA season is set to tip off in the coming days, starting with three games on Tuesday: Celtics versus Pistons, 76ers versus Knicks, and Thunder versus Spurs, previewing six of the best teams this season. The Dallas Mavericks, meanwhile, will have their season opener Wednesday night against the Rockets in Houston. Dallas has plenty to prove after a difficult 26-56 season that saw Nico Harrison get fired, Jason Kidd let go, and the Mavs miss out on the postseason for a second straight year.
Masai Ujiri has taken over as president of basketball operations, and Dusty May as head coach, while Cooper Flagg remains the franchise cornerstone heading into Year 2. With questions surrounding the team's depth, Dallas will need its younger players to step up. Just before opening night, though, they've parted with one of their top veterans, with ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that the Mavericks have waived forward Dwight Powell, the team's longest-tenured player.
More news: NBA Insider Shares Brutal Truth Behind Hornets’ LaMelo Ball Trade Powell was originally drafted by the Hornets in the second round of the 2014 draft, but spent that Summer League with the Cavaliers before being traded to the Celtics, spending the early part of his rookie season split between the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. The Mavericks traded for him in December 2014, where he'd spend the next 12 years. Powell quickly became a fan favorite in Dallas due to his energy, effort, rebounding, and presence in the locker room.
Over his career, he's averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game and ranks fifth all-time in Mavs franchise history in games played (763), sixth in rebounds (3,251), and eighth in total win shares (50.5). More news: Thunder Rookie Aday Mara’s NBA Debut in Jeopardy After Contract Dispute More news: Warriors Refused to Trade Jimmy Butler for Anthony Davis, Jaylen Brown: Report The Mavericks are moving in a younger direction under reigning Rookie of the Year Flagg and first-year head coach May. It's not entirely surprising to see them part ways with Powell, who's now 35 years old and well past his prime.
But he could still appeal to other contenders looking for experienced depth in the frontcourt.
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