The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the most interesting teams to monitor over the last six months. First, they traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers back at the NBA trade deadline. Then, they won the draft lottery. To put the cherry on top, they nabbed Duke phenom Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick.
So, yeah: things have been pretty fluid in Dallas, and the Mavericks will unquestionably be one of the most intriguing clubs to follow next season.
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Dallas’ core is rather unique, as aging veterans Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving represent its two best players. However, the Mavs also boast some compelling role players, and P.J. Washington is one of them.
Washington has emerged as a terrific glue guy since being acquired by the Mavericks from the Charlotte Hornets midway through the 2023-24 campaign, and apparently, he is on his way to getting paid.
NBA insider Marc Stein has revealed that Dallas will “likely” extend Washington, who becomes eligible for a four-year, $90 million contract this Friday.
You would think Washington would be a rather awkward fit for the Mavericks now that Flagg is in tow. After all, both players are small forwards. However, Dallas is planning on using Flagg as a point guard, which should allow the Mavs to comfortably keep the versatile Washington on the roster.
Washington played in 57 games this past season, averaging 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals over 32.2 minutes a night on 45.3/38.1/72.2 shooting splits.
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Capable of guarding multiple positions defensively, the 27-year-old was always a decent role players in Charlotte, but was never able to realize his full potential until he joined a contending Mavericks team two seasons ago.
Washington played a pivotal role in Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals in 2024, posting 13 points and 6.6 rebounds per game during the playoffs. He may not be the most efficient scorer in the world, but his ability to space the floor definitely pays dividends for the Mavs’ offense.
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