NBA Trade Pitch Swaps Cavaliers’ Dean Wade for Mavericks’ Dwight Powell
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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks have been linked in a one-for-one trade concept that would send forward Dean Wade to Dallas in exchange for veteran big man Dwight Powell, according to a scenario outlined by Hoops Wire.
What the Cavaliers would gain
Cleveland is exploring additional size behind starters Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Powell, 34, supplies a decade of NBA experience, reliable screen-setting and postseason minutes. The 6-foot-10 center recently picked up his $4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, the final year of the three-year, $12 million contract he signed before 2023-24. His expiring deal could also free cap space for the Cavaliers next summer.
Why Dallas could be interested
The Mavericks are reshaping their roster around Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving (recovering from a torn ACL), No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and veteran shooter Klay Thompson. Wade, 28, offers a younger, switchable 6-foot-9 forward who defends multiple positions and stretches the floor. He is entering the final year of his deal and will earn $6.62 million in 2025-26 before reaching unrestricted free agency.
Contract snapshots
- Dean Wade: 5.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg last season; 37% from three-point range; unrestricted free agent after 2025-26.
- Dwight Powell: exercised $4 million option for 2025-26; tenth season with Dallas.
Dallas already made a franchise-altering move at the 2025 trade deadline, sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis. Moving Powell for Wade would be another step toward a more versatile rotation around the new core.
The proposal remains speculative, and no timetable for negotiations has been reported.
Source: Hoops Wire
