‘He Did a Lot for Us’: Kyrie Irving Turns Emotional As Mavs Waive Dwight Powell After 12 Seasons

The Dallas Mavericks officially waived veteran center Dwight Powell on Monday ahead of the regular-season roster deadline, ending his 12-season tenure with the franchise. Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving voiced heartbreak over the decision, praising Powell as a consummate professional and close friend whose leadership will be severely missed. With Powell's departure, Irving becomes the longest-tenured player on the roster.

Originally acquired in December 2014, the 35-year-old Powell played 763 games for Dallas, ranking fifth in franchise history for total appearances. Mavericks President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri and head coach Dusty May both commended Powell's extensive impact on and off the court before the team finalized its roster ahead of the season opener against the Houston Rockets.