The Dallas Mavericks have reached the point where the choice was no longer about the veteran’s value alone. It became a call about the roster, the future, and whether they wanted to keep carrying Dwight Powell or open the door for Moussa Cisse.
After re-signing Powell before the 2026 preseason and taking the roster up to 16 players on standard contracts, the Mavericks had reportedly promised they would try to clear a spot for him. Those efforts went nowhere, and according to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, Dallas moved to waive Powell.
“The Dallas Mavericks are waiving veteran center Dwight Powell, sources tell ESPN.”
Head coach Dusty May had spoken highly of Powell throughout the preseason, and the organization clearly appreciated what he brought in the locker room. But when the decision came down to Powell or Cisse, the younger center won out.
Cisse, now in his second season, entered the picture as an undrafted free agent pickup from last year. He earned enough trust as a rookie to draw an offer sheet from the New York Knicks this offseason, and Dallas matched it quickly.
Even so, he is still very much a work in progress. His energy and hustle stand out, but his hands and offensive game still need a lot of work, and there is a real chance he never develops into a high-level backup.
That didn’t stop other teams from keeping an eye on the Mavericks’ handling of him. The Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls were all mentioned as teams watching closely, with the possibility of a trade in the background.
Powell is the more polished player right now, especially on offense, but Dallas is trying to build around Cooper Flagg’s timeline, and that means leaning toward the younger option. Powell is also nearing retirement, and while his leadership mattered, the Mavericks can find that kind of presence elsewhere.
There is still a path back for Powell later in the season if Dallas eventually finds a taker for Cisse, or even in a 2-for-1 trade. For now, though, the team wants the chance to see what Cisse can become.
Frontcourt depth also gave the Mavericks some flexibility. Daniel Gafford, Morez Johnson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Dereck Lively II if he's ever healthy can absorb center minutes, which should let Cisse develop without being forced into a bigger role.
If injuries open the door, he can pick up some run. If not, Dallas can keep evaluating him behind the scenes as the year goes on.
In Other News...
Mavericks Still Have One Backcourt Problem They Shouldn't Ignore
The Mavericks are heading into their first regular-season game still carrying a familiar concern in the backcourt. Shot creation remains an issue behind Kyrie Irving, and the depth chart does not leave much margin for error if Dallas needs another ball-handler who can ease the load and help keep the offense organized when Irving is off the floor.
One name that fits the conversation is Walter Clayton Jr., who could be a sensible target for that open two-way slot after Dallas waived John Poulakidas. Clayton showed enough as a rookie to make the idea worth a look, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 assists per game, and he would give the Mavericks another option in a part of the roster that still feels thin. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Final Roster Cut Ends A 12-Year Dallas Run
Dwight Powells 12-year run in Dallas has come to an end, with the Mavericks waiving the veteran center as they trimmed their roster to the regular-season limit. Powell had come back on an Exhibit 10 contract before training camp, a familiar move for a player who has spent so much of his career as one of the franchises most trusted steady hands.
The decision closes a long chapter for a player the organization has repeatedly leaned on for professionalism and consistency. Team officials, including president Masai Ujiri and coach Dusty May, were complimentary of Powells impact, but the roster squeeze left no room to keep him around as Dallas finalized its 15-man group. [Read more 🡒]
Hawks Face A Roster Squeeze If This Big Man Hits The Market
The Mavericks still have some trimming to do before the Oct. 19 roster deadline, and Moussa Cisse appears to be one of the names most vulnerable as Dallas sorts out the back end of the roster. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that if Cisse is waived, there would be no shortage of interest around the league, with teams already watching how the situation unfolds.
For Dallas, that creates a familiar late-camp decision point, where a young players future can hinge on timing as much as talent. The Hawks are among the teams said to be interested if Cisse becomes available, along with Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, setting up a possible scramble should he clear waivers and hit the open market. [Read more 🡒]