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Dallas Mavericks: The good and bad about Dwight Powell opting out

By Reid Hanson

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a shot past Richaun Holmes #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a shot past Richaun Holmes #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Mavericks forward/center, Dwight Powell, opted out of the final year of his contract this week so we assess the good and the bad of this situation…

Earlier in the week, Dwight Powell declined his player option for 2019-20 season, becoming an unrestricted free agent. The move was surprising to many since it came on the heels of Mark Cuban’s appearance on 105.3 The Fan that bluntly stated the Dallas Mavericks intend to re-sign Powell.

While it’s highly unlikely Powell will play elsewhere next season, his situation does present some challenges for the Dallas Mavericks this summer. Given the complicated nature, and the known unknowns, this situation has the ability to be either good or bad for the franchise.

The Money

Dwight Powell left $10.2 million on the table when he opted out but that doesn’t mean the Mavs suddenly have extra coin to play with. By opting out, the Dallas Mavericks will absorb a $14 million hold on their cap. Until he signs a new deal (either with them or with someone else) or until the Mavs renounce him, this money is essentially stuck in escrow.

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As Cuban stated, he fully intends to re-sign the high-flying Powell to a 3-year extension. How much that will cost remains to be seen, but with Powell opting out and hitting the market, the potential is there for a bidding war.

It’s also worth noting Powell wouldn’t have opted out if he didn’t think he could make more per season than the $10.2 he just walked away from.

The Plan

We don’t pretend to know the goings-on inside Mavs Land, but one could assume what’s currently transpiring has been the plan all along. Powell has endeared himself to Rick Carlisle and Mark Cuban over the years and he’s proven to be a brilliant pick and roll weapon who pairs nicely with a variety of partners.

It’s likely the bones of a new deal are already in place and the Dallas Mavericks and Powell just have to iron out the final details.

If you dislike Powell’s game then there’s probably no good news to report. Dwight will most likely be re-signing with the Mavs and it’ll probably be for three seasons.

But most MFFL have warmed up to the 27-year-old big guy. After underwhelming early in his last deal, Powell delivered a career season in 2018-19. He’s always going to have his weaknesses but as long as the Mavs focus on his strengths, he’s a great asset to have on offense.

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Where Powell fits next season will be tricky. Paired with Kristaps Porzingis, the Mavs would be ridiculously thin in the pain (pun intneded) and would get killed on the boards. But used creatively as a weapon Powell could see another uptick in performance next season with the Dallas Mavericks.

  • Published on 05/23/2019 at 12:30 PM
  • Last updated at 05/23/2019 at 08:20 AM
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