When it comes to longevity, there is no current Dallas Mavericks player with more tenure than 31-year-old big man Dwight Powell, who joined the Mavs via the infamous Rajon Rondo trade with the Boston Celtics in the 2014-15 season. Powell just completed his ninth season with the Mavs, and now his future is uncertain as he’ll hit the unrestricted free-agency market this summer.
Things that are guaranteed in life include death, taxes, and apparently, Powell making starts at center for the Mavericks. In 76 games this season, 64 in which he started, Powell averaged 6.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. However, that many minutes for your starting center means you don't truly have a starting center, which is why changes could be on the horizon for both Powell and the Mavs.
According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, the Cleveland Cavaliers are one team with interest in signing Powell this summer. In such a scenario, Powell would be used as the third center behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
Powell, who can be effective in short stretches, specifically in the pick-and-roll, is an outstanding locker room presence and the ultimate teammate that every team should want on their bench. Following Dallas' season, ESPN's Tim MacMahon stated that he thinks Powell will 'be back on the minimum', which ultimately sounds like his market and the right deal for the veteran.
For the Mavericks, outside of re-signing Kyrie Irving, acquiring an upgrade at center is the team's top priority for the offseason. And though that bounces Powell from the starting lineup, expect to see No. 7 back in a Mavericks uniform for his 10th season in a lesser role … so long as a team like the Cavs don’t come along and give him an offer he can’t refuse.
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