The Cleveland Cavaliers could use another big body behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Dallas Mavericks, in the middle of reshaping their roster around Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, may have interest in Dean Wade.
Oftentimes, during the NBA dead zone of August and September, these are things I think about. So hey, why not come up with a hypothetical trade proposal and post it to my website?
That’s what I did. And here’s what I got (feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments section below):
Anyway, in my proposed one-for-one swap, Cleveland would send Wade to Dallas for veteran power forward/center Dwight Powell.
Wade, 28, is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $6.62 million in 2025-26 before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. A 6-foot-9 forward who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor, Wade averaged 5.7 points and 3.2 rebounds last season while shooting 37 percent from three-point range.
Powell, 34, recently exercised his $4 million player option to remain with the Mavericks for 2025-26, the last year of the three-year, $12 million deal he signed before the 2023-24 season.
A dependable veteran who has spent a decade in Dallas, Powell brings size, screen-setting, and playoff experience — attributes Cleveland could use in reserve minutes behind Allen.
For Dallas, the move would be about adding a younger, switchable forward who fits better alongside Davis, Irving (once recovered from a torn ACL), No. 1 pick Flagg, and veteran Klay Thompson. Thompson is entering his second year with the Mavericks and, while still dangerous from deep, is clearly in the final stretch of his career.
As you know, Dallas traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2025 deadline in the blockbuster that brought in Davis, signaling a full repurposing of the roster. Moving Powell for Wade could be the next step in building a more versatile rotation around their new core.
For Cleveland, the deal would be about frontcourt depth and immediate insurance for Allen and Mobley. Powell’s expiring deal also offers financial flexibility if the Cavs decide to explore other options in free agency next summer (as I’m certain they will).
As with any hypothetical trade, it would come down to how much Dallas values Wade’s shooting and defensive versatility compared to Powell’s size and familiarity with the organization. But on paper, it has the makings of a deal that could work for both sides.
- MORE CAVALIERS | Wade trade not likely to happen anytime soon
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Powell is 1″ taller, 8 # heavier, and a 2 ” wider wingspan so a little bigger for backup center. Probably fits better as DeAndre Hunter is going to take more of Wade’s minutes and possibly Tomlin will also. Both a little more injured than we like. Saves some money. Sure let’s do it.
Well,,,,,, But He’s 34 ,,,, But,,,, for some reason I like it anyway!