DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks waived longtime center Dwight Powell on Monday, likely ending his 12-year run with the franchise after he was the secondary piece in a trade that brought Rajon Rondo from Boston.
Powell was a late add just as training camp started last month, raising the possibility of a 13th season with the Mavericks. Dallas already had the full allotment of 15 guaranteed contracts, so keeping Powell would have forced the team to release one of those players.
The 35-year-old Powell was in and out of the rotation throughout his time with the Mavericks. He has played all but five of his 768 games with Dallas, including 266 starts. He has averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 17.5 minutes per game.
Powell joined the Mavericks in December 2014 when he and Rondo were part of a deal that included five players and two draft picks. Rondo and then-coach Rick Carlisle clashed, and Rondo left without playing a full season with Dallas. Powell played the next 11 full seasons with the Mavericks.
“Dwight was the consummate professional throughout his 12 seasons with the Mavericks and embodies everything you want in someone representing your organization,” president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said. “He’s a tireless worker, an incredible teammate and someone whose impact extends well beyond the basketball court and into the Dallas community.”
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