DALLAS — Dwight Powell survived the Dirk Nowitzki era, the Luka Dončić era, and the arrival of Cooper Flagg. After 12 seasons, 763 games, and approximately 40 different versions of the Dallas Mavericks, his legendary durability finally met an opponent it couldn't defeat: the NBA's 15-man roster limit.
Dallas waived the 35-year-old center Monday, ending the franchise's longest active tenure just two days before opening night.
Powell arrived in 2014 as part of the Rajon Rondo trade. He watched Dirk retire, Luka become a superstar, Luka get traded, and Cooper Flagg become the franchise's next great hope.
Throughout it all, Powell remained, setting screens and somehow surviving every roster reconstruction.
"We genuinely thought he came with the building," a fictional Mavericks executive admitted. "When we renovated the practice facility, Dwight was already inside."
Powell ranks fifth in franchise history in games played and fourth in field-goal percentage at 60.6%. Unfortunately, neither statistic counts as an additional roster spot.
Team president Masai Ujiri praised Powell's professionalism and contributions to Dallas, while the imaginary front office reportedly offered him a commemorative plaque, lifetime parking privileges, and the opportunity to explain to Cooper Flagg who Dirk Nowitzki was.
League officials confirmed that longevity, loyalty, and surviving the Luka trade do not qualify as roster exemptions.
Powell reportedly asked whether his 12 years of service could be exchanged for one additional contract slot.
The request was denied.
Dwight Powell survived three generations of Mavericks basketball. In the end, the only thing that could stop him was Microsoft Excel.
