Dwight Powell is remaining with the Dallas Mavericks. According to The Stein Line, Powell has exercised his $4 million player option. What does the transaction mean for the Mavericks, and what could be next for them?
“The Mavericks’ Dwight Powell is activating his $4 million player option for next season,” Marc Stein tweeted. “Powell had until Tuesday to exercise or bypass the option.”
Veteran Big Man Remains with Dallas, Major Decision Still Awaits Mavs, And What Is Next?
It is no surprise that Powell decided to pick up the option, although the Mavericks likely would have preferred him not to. Powell, who has spent most of his career with the Mavs, has seen his role steadily decrease over the last three seasons. He was third on the Mavs’ depth chart at center this past year behind Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.
Powell averaged a career-low 2.1 points along with 2.1 rebounds in just 10 minutes over 55 appearances last season. Despite limited playing time, the 33-year-old still demonstrated that he was an efficient scorer, an effective offensive rebounder, and a capable rim protector. He scored in double-figures once last year and converted 68.9% of his field goal attempts, including 81% of his attempts around the rim.
Mavs Financials With Dwight Powell In The Mix
With Powell back in the mix, Dallas has 12 players under contract for the 2025-26 season. The Mavericks now have to wait on what Kyrie Irving will do. Like Powell, Irving holds a player option, though his is for $43.9 million. He has until June 24 to make a decision.
Irving is expected to be out of action at least until January as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. If Irving opts into his deal, the Mavs will have a salary cap hit of $192.3 million with 13 players. Add in projected No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg‘s $13.8 million, which would put the Mavs less than $2 million under the second apron.
However, ESPN Bobby Marks believes that Irving will decline his option and re-sign with the Mavericks. Marks thinks that Irving will get a three-year deal worth $113 million.
“The $35 million price tag next season is $8 million lower than Irving’s player option and gives Dallas greater flexibility to operate below the second apron, Marks said. “The Mavericks now have access to the $5.7 million tax midlevel exception to sign a temporary replacement for Irving. ”
Let’s say Irving does indeed opt out, giving the Mavericks some flexibility. The $8 million that the Mavericks could save would bring their cap hit to about $198 million, meaning they would be a first-round team. The Mavs can save a little cap by releasing Brandon Williams, whose $2.2 million salary doesn’t fully guarantee until January 10.
Dallas doesn’t have a second-round draft choice in 2025. There is reported mutual interest between the Mavericks and Dante Exum, one of two Mavs free agents. The Mavs hold Exum’s early Bird rights.
Early Look at Mavs Depth Chart
Dallas could make a trade or two to help clear up their rotation a bit. Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, and Powell are the leading candidates to be dealt. Gafford and Washington join Powell on expiring contracts.
According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, Dallas and Utah have discussed Collin Sexton. While there is no word that a trade between the two teams will occur, if it does, Sexton would immediately step in as the Mavs’ primary lead guard.
Dallas doesn’t have any player signed on a two-way deal for 20225-26. Kessler Edwards (restricted) and Kai Jones (unrestricted) were on two-way deals this past season, and both are free agents.
Point Guard /Shooting Guard
1. Dante Exum (if re-signed)
2. Max Christie
3. Jaden Hardy
4. Brandon Williams (If on team)
5. Kyrie Irving (Injured)
Wing
1. Klay Thompson: Can also play shooting guard
2. Cooper Flagg: May see time at power forward
3. Naji Marshall: Can play shooting guard and power forward
4. PJ Washington: Can play all three frontcourt positions
5. Caleb Martin: Can play everything but point guard
Power Forward
1. Anthony Davis: Can play center
2. PJ Washington
3. Naji Marshall
4. Caleb Martin
Center
1. Daniel Gafford
2. Derek Lively
3. Dwight Powell
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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