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The Dallas Mavericks made a trade with the Boston Celtics at the 2014-15 trade deadline. The two-team trade, featuring five players and two picks, was as follows:
Boston acquired Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson, a 1st-round pick, and a 2nd-round pick. Dallas, in return, acquired Rajon Rondo and Dwight Powell, who to this day, has remained with the franchise.
He was there for the disastrous Rondo era (as mentioned). Present for the tail end of Dirk Nowitzki and his legendary Hall-of-Fame career. A teammate of Luka Doncic for his entire (far too short) time with the Mavs.
A rumor broke earlier today (Dec. 9), that Powell would be retiring at the end of the season. After 11.5 seasons, partnering with a few of the game’s all-time greats along the way.
The initial report came from Mavs Film Room, who confirmed from league sources.
https://mavsfilmroom.substack.com/p/exclusive-mavs-dwight-powell-likely?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
Dwight Powell Played In Dallas for How Long?
Looking at the list of longest-tenured players in the NBA, superstars make up the first few spots. Stephen Curry (2009), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2013), Nikola Jokic (2014), and Joel Embiid (2014), are at the top. Right up there with them though, from the winter of 2014, is Dwight Powell.
Powell currently sits at fifth all-time in games played by a Dallas Maverick. In an era where player loyalty has not quite been as high, finding a role player to stick around this long is a pretty big deal. Culture is what it’s really about, and the big fella has been there to preach it to all of the new additions through the years.
Powell wasn’t always playing a ton of minutes, but was doing whatever was asked of him. When called upon, he was somebody that would show up.
Being present for Dirk Nowitzki. Luka Doncic, and now Cooper Flagg, he’s been part of helping the newer guys transition, while seeing the old guard out.
The number seven jersey may not hang in the rafters at American Airlines Center, but Powell is absolutely somebody that has played a key role in Dallas’ greatest success.
Dwight Powell Retirement Marks End of Era in Dallas
Outside of Dwight Powell, Kyrie Irving is the longest tenured player in Dallas. The 2016 NBA champ was acquired in a trade deadline deal three years ago. It’s more of one that has been constructed with trades and recent signings.
Final remnants of the Dirk era will be on its way out with Powell. Only a handful of players that are left from the rotation during the NBA Finals run two years ago.
The fact is that Powell is the fifth-longest tenured player in the league on any roster. Things have changed significantly, but he’s stayed loyal. Five games played with the Celtics, and the next 720 (and counting) here in Dallas.
Seeing new veterans emerge will likely be part of the next steps. Jason Kidd remains as the coach, and that likely won’t be changing in the near future.
Cooper Flagg coming into his own as the alpha will be a big part of the future success. Combining that with the Anthony Davis decision and Kyrie injury recovery, will create a clear picture of what to expect.
So, we now say goodbye to Dwight Powell. 11.5 memorable seasons in Dallas later.
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Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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