Roster limit closes an opening for Powell
Dwight Powell's late training-camp return to Dallas did not produce another place on the regular-season roster. The Mavericks released the 35-year-old centre on Monday, AP reported, after already committing their 15 guaranteed roster contracts.
Keeping him would therefore have required the club to remove another player from that group. His arrival when camp began the previous month had raised the possibility of a 13th Dallas season, but the final roster decision instead puts his long association with the team in doubt.
Powell's record illustrates that association. Of his 768 NBA appearances, only five came for another franchise. He made 266 starts and recorded career averages of 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds, with 17.5 minutes of court time per game. His role changed over the years as he moved in and out of the rotation.
A much longer stay than his trade partner
Dallas acquired Powell from Boston in December 2014 as part of the transaction that also brought Rajon Rondo. Five players and two draft picks were involved in that deal.
Rondo's relationship with coach Rick Carlisle deteriorated, and his Dallas spell ended before a full season had passed. Powell, by contrast, remained for the following 11 complete seasons.
Basketball operations president Masai Ujiri praised Powell's preparation, professionalism and value as a teammate. His tribute also recognised work within the Dallas community, extending the assessment beyond on-court statistics.
The release may mark the end of that 12-year period with the franchise. It is a roster decision, however, rather than an announcement that Powell has retired or that a future return is impossible.