When the Dallas Mavericks signed Dwight Powell to a three-year, $12 million deal in the summer of 2023, it was a deal that seemed to make great sense at the time. Powell had just started in 64 games in the 2022-23 season, and could have ultimately earned more money elsewhere, but the deal took a turn in the wrong direction and ultimately became controversial among fans over the following two seasons.
Powell's production went way down, and this summer, one questionable part of the deal came to light as he opted into his player option. Some fans wondered why Dallas didn't put a team option at the end of the deal instead of the player option, and this decision could have ultimately led to Dallas losing Kai Jones this offseason.