Mavs' Dwight Powell Reportedly Activates $4M Player Option on Contract for 2025-26

Dwight Powell is reportedly returning for a 12th season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Powell will take his $4 million player option to return to Dallas for the 2025-26 season, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Friday.

Powell had until next Tuesday to activate the third year of the $12 million contract he signed with the Mavs ahead of the 2023-24 season.

The veteran center averaged 10 minutes per night through 55 games during his age-33 season with the Mavericks. He contributed 2.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while coming mostly off the bench.

Powell is currently set to play behind Anthony Davis, Derek Lively II and Daniel Gafford on the Mavericks' frontcourt depth chart.

In addition to stepping up in case of injuries, Powell will likely be tasked next season with serving as a mentor for prospective No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.

The Mavericks are expected to select Flagg, who has reportedly dined with both team officials and players this week, at the top of the 2025 NBA Draft next Wednesday.

Powell, who has played under Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd since 2021, could help Flagg adjust to Kidd's system ahead of the Duke standout's first season in the NBA.

Initially drafted by the Charlotte Hornets and eventually traded to the Boston Celtics, Powell was dealt to the Mavericks in the middle of his 2014-15 rookie season.

He has since made 700 career regular-season appearances and competed in 44 playoff games for the Mavericks.

Powell currently ranks fifth in franchise history behind Dirk Nowitzki, Brad Davis, Derek Harper and Rolando Blackman for the all-time lead in regular-season games played.