Dwight Powell is returning to Dallas for at least one more season.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the veteran forward has exercised his $4 million player option for the 2025–26 season. Powell had until Tuesday to make his decision, and league sources confirmed his intention to stay with the Mavericks.
Powell, 33, just completed his 11th full season with the organization. He played in 55 games during the 2024–25 campaign, averaging 2.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 10.0 minutes per game.
Though he only started three times, Powell shot an efficient 68.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in limited attempts.
The decision comes as Dallas faces a pivotal offseason after a chaotic and injury-riddled year.
Following a trip to the 2024 NBA Finals, the Mavericks fell into disarray. A February blockbuster trade sent franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and draft assets. Davis sustained an adductor injury shortly after his arrival, and Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in March, ending his season.
Injuries thinned the roster to the league minimum of eight healthy players by mid-March. Despite that, Dallas secured the final play-in spot in the West but fell short of a playoff berth after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Powell’s return provides the front office with a familiar presence during a time of instability.
Dallas received an unexpected boost in May by winning the NBA draft lottery despite just 1.8% odds.
