The Dallas Mavericks found themselves in the middle of an unexpected rumor after a report on X suggested that longtime center Dwight Powell planned to retire at the end of the season. But within minutes, the story took a sharp turn, thanks to a direct response from minority owner Mark Cuban.
Mark Cuban Publicly Denies Viral Dwight Powell Retirement Report
The noise began on Tuesday, Dec. 9, when the X account Mavs Film Room posted:
“Dwight Powell is likely to retire at the end of this season, league sources tell Mavs Film Room.”
The update was soon reposted by another Mavericks-focused account, MFFL, which cited Mavs Film Room’s claim. But it didn’t take long for a high-profile voice to shut the rumor down. It was none other than Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban.
Cuban responded directly under the post with a blunt two-word reply:
“Not true.”
Powell has been one of the longest-tenured players in franchise history. He joined the Mavericks in December 2014 as part of the trade that also brought Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics, and he has spent over a decade in Dallas.
Across 12 NBA seasons with the Mavs and Celtics, Powell has averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds across 725 regular-season games.
This season (2025–26), Powell is playing a limited role: 2.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 65% FG on 10.9 minutes per game.
Cuban, who sold a majority stake in the Mavericks in late 2023 for a reported $3.5 billion, has technically been reduced to minority-owner status and, for a time, was essentially pushed out of day-to-day basketball operations. But over the last several months, his influence has resurfaced.
Following the 2025 firing of former general manager Nico Harrison, multiple reports indicated that Cuban had once again reinserted himself into personnel discussions, sitting at the decision-making table and pushing for significant roster changes.
His public dismissal of the Powell rumor only strengthens the sense that he still has a voice in the organization’s direction.
Turbulent Season for Mavs
The Mavericks are navigating a chaotic 2025–26 campaign with a 9-16 record. Despite boasting a star-packed roster featuring Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, the team has been inconsistent since Opening Night.
Trade rumors have centered around Davis at times, but nothing credible has surfaced regarding Powell stepping away from basketball.
At 34 and as one of the franchise’s longest-tenured veterans, Powell remains a respected locker-room presence, and according to Cuban, very much still part of the team’s plans.
