Mavericks power forward Dwight Powell will decline his $10.26MM player option in order to become an unrestricted free agent, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports.
Powell was entering the final year of a four-year, $37MM contract signed in 2016. The 6’11” Powell, 27, averaged a career-high 10.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 1.5 APG in 21.6 MPG this season. Powell has spent much of his five-year career with the Mavs, starting just 51 out of 331 career games. He was a second-round selection in the 2014 draft.
The decision comes as somewhat of a surprise, since Powell had expressed interest in staying with Dallas and owner Mark Cuban mentioned during a radio interview that Powell might receive a three-year extension. It’s still possible that Powell returns with the Mavericks but he could be leaving quite a bit of money on the table for someone who has served a second-unit role most of his career.
The addition of Kristaps Porzingis made it likely that Powell would remain a bench player, so perhaps he’s looking for a team that views him as a starter. Dallas is expected to be very active in the free agent and trade markets this summer, as it only has $45.9MM in guaranteed salaries on its current payroll for next season.
You can replace powell with bobby portis? Bobby is a better rebounder and shooter. Dwight does give you 110%
I’m not surprised after hearing Cuban’s statement. If I was career backup, and 28 (before next year), and my team owner said he’d like to do a 3 year “extension”, yeah, I would have my agent clarify that’s 4 years get the numbers (which I’m sure includes a little more on the back end for agreeing to a lesser number in year 1, when cap space is relevant), and get it done. I doubt he’ll actually opt out until the new contract is in place. If he has a serious injury in his age 28 season, that could be the end of his earning power. 30 mm/4 years would look good to me. Maybe I’m not ambitious enough.
If he opted in, and then agreed to an extension. It would practically be for 4 years. I am not a huge Carlise fan but he really improves players and knows how to use them. And if they leave dallas, they kinda become bust. Barea (when he went to Timberwolves),Brandon bass, ian mahinmi, etc. Best bet for powell is to stay. I am sure they will get something done. Luka, powell, and carlise were training in lukas homeland a week or 2 ago
Yes perhaps opting-out frees up more money for the Mavericks? Then when they’re done wheeling-and-dealing they re-sign Powell?
You’re right. He will sign 3 years at least 12-14 a year.
10M is hefty for a back-up F/C. He is a hustle guy, buy still you could replace the production cheaper. Monroe, Dedmon, Baynes, Markeiff Morris, Faried, Ed Davis.
Morris would be a great addition. Brings Playoff experience, better 3 point shooter and brings toughness. A lot of Dallas guys are young and not “tough”
DP is a fool. He’s not even worth 5 million year to year.
But it’s nice to have confidence
I guess…..
He’s about to make 12-14 a year lol. Mark Cuban even said he wanted to extend him.
Cuban said extend him, not raise him, right?
Dwight started to have some 20 point games towards end of the season
“Wait… wait… I was drunk!”