Hoops Rumors reported on September 20 that Dallas expects to sign free agent big man Dwight Powell, and The Smoking Cuban answered with three separate stories in two days, one telling fans to take the reunion with a grain of salt. The bigger camp number: three Mavericks — Irving, Lively and Aldama — are each targeting an October 1 return, more than a week before the October 9 preseason opener against Houston.
A Report With Pushback
Hoops Rumors reported on September 20 that Dallas expects to sign free agent big man Dwight Powell. The Smoking Cuban ran three pieces on that same report within two days: one called the reunion's roadblock obvious, another told fans to take it with a grain of salt, and a third said Irving's situation would make a Powell exit easier to stomach. The headlines don't agree on whether Powell is coming or going, and none names the holdup.
Three Clocks to October 1
Three Mavericks are hurt with the same target date. Irving is day-to-day with a left knee, Lively with a right foot and leg, and Aldama with a right knee, all three estimated back by October 1. That lands eight days before the preseason opener against Houston on October 9, giving Dusty May's staff a runway before Dallas plays an exhibition minute.
Room Under the Threshold
Dallas carries 18 contracts worth $197.9 million, above the $165.0 million cap but under the $200.4 million threshold, led by Irving's $39.5 million and Washington's $19.8 million. A veteran addition like Powell on a modest deal fits that math without pushing Dallas past the threshold. Nobody covering this team has said yet what roadblock The Smoking Cuban flagged actually is.
Is Dwight Powell signing with the Mavericks?
Hoops Rumors reported on September 20 that Dallas expects to sign free agent Dwight Powell, but The Smoking Cuban says the reunion has an obvious roadblock and to take the report with a grain of salt.
When do the Mavericks play their first game this season?
Dallas opens the preseason October 9 at home against Houston, then plays at Houston again October 11 before hosting New Orleans on October 14 and Atlanta on October 16; the regular season begins October 21 at Houston.
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