{"id":183420,"date":"2025-08-29T00:20:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T00:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/183420\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T00:20:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T00:20:11","slug":"as-mavericks-eye-an-extension-for-p-j-washington-how-does-he-fit-into-dallas-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/183420\/","title":{"rendered":"As Mavericks eye an extension for P.J. Washington, how does he fit into Dallas\u2019 future?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Mavericks<\/a> have a couple items remaining on their offseason to-do list.<\/p>\n

Item No. 1: Cut or trade someone.<\/p>\n

They are one player over the limit of 15 standard contracts with a little over a month left until training camp in Vancouver. An additional move will be required before rosters are finalized on Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n

The decision could happen in the coming days or could last until the final buzzer, but the former is more likely.<\/p>\n

Mavericks<\/p>\n

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Item No. 2: Extend P.J. Washington\u2019s contract<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Starting Friday, Washington is eligible for a four-year extension worth nearly $90 million. He is entering his seventh season and set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. <\/p>\n

A person familiar with the team\u2019s thinking told The Dallas Morning News an extension for Washington is likely, but the exact terms of the deal remain unclear.<\/p>\n

The pros<\/p>\n

For Washington, staying in Dallas gives the two-way wing a chance to contribute to a competitive team on a nightly basis, establish himself as a key part of its defensive identity and remain with the franchise he supported while growing up in Frisco.<\/p>\n

For the Mavericks, agreeing to the extension retains a core member for the foreseeable future, which aligns with their short-term window of competing for a championship. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s the right move if you\u2019re general manager Nico Harrison and the rest of the front office.<\/p>\n

Signing Washington gives Dallas versatility on the defensive end and the depth to weather through injury misfortune, which could be inevitable based on the Mavericks\u2019 tumultuous run with injuries last season<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Related<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Washington missed 25 games last season and was productive when healthy. He averaged 14.7 points, a career-high 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, a career-high 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks in 32.2 minutes.<\/p>\n

He aspired to become a 40% 3-point shooter and almost did, finishing at 38.1%, the second-highest mark in his career after his second season with the Charlotte Hornets.<\/p>\n

Washington, who turned 27 on Saturday, could receive a three-year deal that aligns his contract with Daniel Gafford, who signed a three-year extension with the Mavericks in July<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kyrie Irving, who signed a new three-year contract this offseason,<\/a> and Anthony Davis will both have deals through the 2027-28 season if they opt in to the final year. Max Christie also has a player option for the 2027-28 season.<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) pumps up the crowd as they close out a win against the Detroit Pistons during the second half of an NBA game, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Dallas. The Mavericks defeated the Pistons 123-117.<\/p>\n

El\u00edas Valverde II \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n

The potential con<\/p>\n

The one perceived negative for Washington could be a lack of opportunity for an expanded role on a team loaded with frontcourt depth. <\/p>\n

Washington has started in all but two of his 86 games with the Mavericks since he was acquired in a 2024 trade deadline deal with the Hornets. He\u2019s spent 85% of his minutes at power forward, but with Davis penciled in as the primary option at the four spot, Washington slid to his natural position of small forward.<\/p>\n

Little did the Mavericks know they would land the No. 1 overall pick and be able to select Cooper Flagg, who also plays small forward<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Head coach Jason Kidd will have to decide whether Washington, who can use his size advantage against smaller wings, will come off the bench this season or remain with the first unit.<\/p>\n

Washington signed a three-year contract extension in 2023 with the Hornets worth $46.5 million. He will make $14.1 million in 2025-26, the final year of that deal. An extension for four years and nearly $90 million would likely place his salary around $22 million per year.<\/p>\n

The figure is reasonable by NBA standards, which makes him a viable asset if either side decides a trade is best. But if Washington signs a veteran extension, the size and length of the contract will determine his trade eligibility, and it would be at least six months before the Mavericks could make a move. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s a conversation for another day because Washington is well-respected among the Mavericks\u2019 front office and has said he\u2019s happy to be playing for his hometown team.<\/p>\n

Keeping a hometown product who\u2019s familiar with the franchise\u2019s history, especially one who\u2019s weathered an impressive amount of transition since the Luka Doncic trade, is a good idea.<\/p>\n

Just as Washington has stood on business on the court, it\u2019s time for the Mavericks to do the same with their wallets.<\/p>\n

On X\/Twitter: <\/b>@MikeACurtis2<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n