Source: Mutual Interest Between Mavs and Dwight Powell for a Return

 (Paul Moseley/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS)

Sources have indicated to Mavs Fanatic that there is a mutual interest between the Dallas Mavericks and restricted free agent forward Dwight Powell in a return for the 2016-17 season. The Mavs can offer him the qualifying offer at a minimum of about $1.2 million, while other teams can sign him to an offer sheet that the Mavs have the ability to match.

 

Largely known as the “throw in” as part of the Rajon Rondo trade during the 2014-15 regular season, Powell turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in disguise, despite a disastrous run during Rondo Era. Powell, a third year forward/center out of Stanford, garnered the heavy praises of Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle during training camp to begin the 2015-16 regular season. He spent countless hours during the offseason working on every aspect of his game in hopes of becoming a pivotal part of the Mavs future and his hard work has certainly shown. After strong summer performance, Powell earned 2015 All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors after posting 18.8 points and 9.2 rebounds a game on 42.9 percent shooting from the field.

 

At 6’11, 240 pounds Powell provides with constant energy and athleticism on both ends of the floor. During the 2015-16 regular season, Powell averaged 16.4 minutes before the All-Star break, but eight minutes per game after it, falling victim to Carlisle’s unusual “veteran’s only” playing policy. He finished the regular season with averages of 5.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 14.4 minutes per game. In the playoffs, his averaged jumped to 6.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.0 minutes per game including 16 points and 28 minutes played during the Mavs elimination game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

If the Mavs and Powell can strike a deal, he’ll become a pivotal part of the Mavs future going forward along with second year forward Justin Anderson.