Dallas Mavericks Waive Veteran Dwight Powell
The team released the longtime center on Monday morning after a tenure spanning nearly 12 years in Dallas.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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The Dallas Mavericks officially waived Dwight Powell on Monday morning, ending the veteran center's long tenure with the franchise. The move has prompted immediate interest from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Why it matters
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly seeking to bolster their frontcourt by adding a third center to their current roster. Adding a seasoned veteran like Powell could provide necessary depth for the team as they evaluate their options.
Dwight Powell concluded a 12-year tenure with the Dallas Mavericks following his release. The Los Angeles Lakers currently have a full roster and would need to waive an existing player to sign him.
The players
Dwight Powell
He is a veteran professional basketball player who spent nearly 12 years with the Dallas Mavericks franchise.
Dallas Mavericks
They are a professional basketball team based in Dallas that competes in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association.
Los Angeles Lakers
They are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles that is currently exploring roster additions to bolster their frontcourt depth.
The details
The Mavericks informed Powell of his release on Monday morning, closing the chapter on his nearly 12-year career in Dallas. While the Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in the veteran, the team is currently at full capacity after recent acquisitions and would require a corresponding roster move.
Timeline
Monday, October 19, 2026: The Dallas Mavericks officially waived Dwight Powell.
Season Trajectory
This move highlights the rigid roster constraints teams face under the NBA's standard roster limit of 15 players. By waiving Powell, the Mavericks create potential flexibility while the Lakers must navigate their own cap space and roster spots to integrate new veterans.
The potential signing of Powell would necessitate a roster spot for the Los Angeles Lakers, meaning another player on their current active list must be waived. Fans should monitor league transaction reports to see if a corresponding release occurs in Los Angeles to accommodate the veteran center.
The takeaway
Front-office decisions in the NBA often rely on a delicate balance between veteran experience and the hard limits of roster construction. Teams frequently prioritize positional depth, such as acquiring a third center, to ensure coverage throughout the long regular season.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves and team news, visit Dallas Basketball.
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