NBA Rumors: Dwight Powell Just Made Life Easier For Dallas Mavericks

The name of Dwight Powell may not ring a bell to most NBA fans, mainly because he is a work in progress. Just the same, the 6-foot-11 center-forward can be of big help to any team if he is utilized properly. After opting out of his deal with the Dallas Mavericks, it will be interesting where the Canadian basketball player will end up.

At 27, there is no question that Powell has a promising future ahead if he continues to progress. With most teams focused on big-name players like Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard, Powell is likely to be given less attention by teams in search of a franchise player. Regardless, the word out is that several teams are interested in getting the former 45th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft because he can contribute effectively on both ends of the court, Yahoo Sports reported.

After being selected by the Charlotte Hornets in 2014, Powell ended up playing with the Boston Celtics. But it was with the Mavericks where he found a home, putting up averages of 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per NBA.com. He is a good defender as well, something that teams could use to get their offense flowing. In all, he is a role player that any team can turn to –ready to do the dirty work when needed.

For the Mavs, his departure may not be seen as a big loss but instead something that will help them with their plans in the offseason. The Mavs are expected to try their hand on some big names in the free agent market, so ridding themselves of Powell’s salary is seen as pretty welcome. The Mavs total cap will be reduced from $69.2 million to $52 million, giving them roughly $61.6 million in practical cap space, Forbes.com reported.

The Mavericks will have no picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, meaning their focus will be on NBA free agency. Several names such as Khris Middleton, Kemba Walker, and Nikola Vucevic have been suggested as potential targets, each expected to come with a hefty price tag.

Like other NBA teams on revamp mode, the Mavericks have a busy summer ahead as they try to come up with a new mix of players that can help them make next year’s NBA playoffs. Dallas finished 14th this NBA season in the Western Conference.