Dwight Powell’s run in Dallas appears to be over, and his next stop is coming overseas.
The longtime Mavericks center, a 12-year veteran and one of the franchise’s most familiar faces, did not make the team’s roster after signing a training camp deal before the season. Dallas had already filled all 15 guaranteed contract spots, and keeping Powell would have meant cutting one of those players. Instead, the Mavericks moved on.
Powell’s exit closes the door on what had been a possible 13th season with the only NBA team he has ever played for. He was brought back late, just as camp opened, with a chance to fight for a roster spot.
But the path was always going to be steep. With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II healthy, plus the additions of Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr., his chances of carving out minutes were slim.
NBC Sports’ Raphielle Johnson noted that Powell “appeared in 63 games last season, starting 12, and averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.”
The Mavericks ultimately waived him, and that opened the door to his next move. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “Source close to talks confirms Dwight Powell is signing with Turkish power Fenerbahçe to play for Šarūnas Jasikevičius. After 12 years in Dallas, Powell could not force his way onto the Mavs' roster in training camp with 15 guaranteed contracts ahead of him.”
That landing spot gives Powell a chance to keep playing at a high level. Fenerbahçe has won two EuroLeague titles, so the veteran center is stepping into a situation with championship expectations.
For now, Powell’s NBA chapter is on pause after a 12-year stretch in Dallas. Whether this becomes the end of his time in the league or just a detour, his next move is clear: he’s heading to Turkey for a fresh start.
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