Can the Mavericks afford to lose two young guards now? The team announced via press release that guards Seth Lundy and John Poulakidas have been waived, with Lundy on a non‑guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal and Poulakidas occupying one of Dallas’ three two‑way contracts.
Lundy, the 46th pick in 2023, spent most of his first two seasons on two‑way deals with the Hawks and Clippers, logging just nine regular‑season games while nursing a left‑ankle injury. He posted 5.5 points in 11.7 minutes and featured in all four of Dallas’ preseason outings this month, likely heading to the Texas Legends, the Mavs’ G League affiliate. In my view, cutting him was inevitable.
Poulakidas inked a two‑year, two‑way pact with Dallas in March and contributed in 13 games down the stretch, averaging 8.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 19.5 minutes while shooting 40.3% from three. He also delivered 21 points over 41 preseason minutes, hitting five of 11 threes, but the club chose a different path for that two‑way slot.
Even with 18 players under contract, the Mavericks still fall short of NBA roster compliance, fielding 16 standard contracts and only two two‑way deals.
The franchise must now decide on Dwight Powell’s partially guaranteed $1 million deal; retaining him would force a fully guaranteed salary to be moved by Monday’s roster deadline. Will the Mavericks secure a veteran guard or gamble on a fresh lineup for the season?