Fans speculated if this would be it for the longest-tenured Maverick, but Mark Cuban and many staff members say its "news to them".
On Tuesday, speculation stirred on social media as a Dallas Mavericks fan account reported an exclusive scoop that veteran center Dwight Powell was "likely" to retire after this season. Powell, the 34-year-old big man acquired in a trade including Rajon Rondo in 2014, is on the last year of his contract and has seen his minutes and production drop to career lows in recent seasons.
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban has been with Powell every step of the way in Dallas. He responded to the buzz on X/Twitter with a simple message to shut down the rumors:
"Not true," Cuban wrote.
Mavericks reporter Kevin Gray Jr. investigated the report further.
"I’ve reached out to multiple sources with knowledge regarding the report that Mavericks C Dwight Powell intends to retire at the end of the year," Gray wrote on social media.
"At this time those sources say they can not confirm the report that Powell intends to retire with one source saying it was “news to them.”
Although Dallas' roster could be shaken up in the coming months, it appears that its longest-tenured face will stay. The Mavs would, of course, need to work out a new contract for Powell, which could very well be his last as the veteran still nears the end of his playing career.
"DP" is the last remaining presence in the locker room that has played with franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki and one of a few to bridge the eras of Luka Doncic and Cooper Flagg. Powell's experienced leadership is among his most respected qualities, often encouraging his teammates with relentless passion and energy on the bench during games.
This season, Powell is averaging 2.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He's appeared in 20 of Dallas' 25 games this season and sees about 11 minutes of action a night.
Powell ranks fifth in Mavericks history in games played with 720 - behind Nowitzki, Brad Davis, Derek Harper and Rolando Blackman. He is 10th in Mavs history in rebounds, third in career field-goal percentage and second in career two-point field goal percentage.
As a team, the Mavericks sit one spot out of the Western Confernece Play-In Tournament at 11th in the standings. Dallas is 9-16 and in the midst of a five-day break as the NBA Cup tournament concludes before its next game on Dec. 12 against the Brooklyn Nets.