Veteran big man Dwight Powell is expected to return to the Mavericks for training camp despite the team already having a full roster.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Dallas is expected to give Powell a formal training camp invitation.

“Dwight Powell was with the Mavericks this week at the Kyrie Irving-led minicamp in Los Angeles and the expectation, league sources say, is that Powell will receive a formal training camp invite even though Dallas currently has a full roster with 15 standard NBA contracts,” Stein wrote in his tweet.

The Mavericks, in Santa Monica, CA, are bonding as team as Dwight Powell also is seen with the group as Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Dusty May and co. prepare for training camp 👀! #MFFL

(🎥: nikowilliamss_IG via NW Media) pic.twitter.com/uU5X8OCGm1

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) September 20, 2026

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Powell remains an unrestricted free agent after his three-year, $12 million contract with the Mavericks expired this summer. The 35-year-old has been in contact with Dallas throughout the offseason and has expressed interest in playing at least one more NBA season.

He also drew interest from other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, but the veteran has remained connected to the Mavericks.
Dallas acquired Powell from the Boston Celtics in December 2014, and he has spent the past 12 seasons with the franchise. He’s also the longest-tenured player in Mavericks history.

Powell appeared in 63 games last season, averaging 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game. His role was limited, but he continued to provide veteran leadership and value as a screener and reserve big man.

The challenge will come after training camp. Dallas already has 15 players on standard guaranteed contracts, while Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Santi Aldama, Moussa Cisse, and rookie Morez Johnson Jr. are among the other frontcourt options.