Can Dwight Powell, the Mavericks’ longest-tenured player, earn a roster spot?

The Dallas Mavericks have signed 35-year-old center Dwight Powell to a partially guaranteed training camp contract worth up to $3.9 million. Powell, the franchise's longest-tenured player, faces an uphill battle to make the final roster because Dallas already holds the league-maximum 15 standard contracts. To retain Powell on opening night, the Mavericks must either waive or trade an existing player before the season opener against Houston on October 21.

Dallas already features a crowded frontcourt with Daniel Gafford, Moussa Cissé, and rookie Morez Johnson Jr., while Dereck Lively II continues his recovery from right foot surgery. Although head coach Dusty May praised Powell's leadership and intangibles, the team's depth and limited draft assets make clearing a roster spot challenging.