Why Extending a Core Young Piece Is Crucial to the Mavs Future
The Dallas Mavericks have built their roster this offseason with the pick of Cooper Flagg and the re-signing of guard Kyrie Irving. The Mavs can further solidify their roster for another deep playoff run this Friday as forward P.J. Washington becomes eligible for a four-year, $90 million contract extension. P.J. Washington emerged as a core contributor in the Mavs’ deep playoff run in the 2024 NBA Finals with solid, overall performances and clutch three-pointers. This is the only playoff run in P.J. Washington’s career, and he averaged 13 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He was on the starting lineup every game that offseason.
This past season, he averaged the second-highest points in his career with 14.7 points per game. Washington has shown his value, and his production highlights why and how the Mavs should view him as an essential piece of the roster. He was traded to the Mavs from the Charlotte Hornets for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round pick at the 2024 trade deadline. Since then, he has shown his athleticism, defensive ability, and mostly consistent three-point shooting. The front office invested assets to acquire him, and an extension would ensure roster stability.
This is important in a time when Dallas’ role players have been cycled through and the Western Conference is becoming increasingly competitive. The retention of P.J. Washington could be critical for the Mavs to stay in contention. Financial factors also weigh in on this decision for the franchise. The NBA raised its salary cap by 10 percent in June, and the cap is projected to rise in the upcoming seasons. P.J. Washington locking into a contract now could prove to be cost-effective in its duration.
If the Mavs were to let him go, the team would lose an important two-way player and lessen their return on the trade with the Hornets. His playoff experience and relationships with teammates serve as reasons to resign P.J. Washington and value him. The Mavs look to mimic their prior playoff run/s, but in the absence of star guard Luka Dončić. The roster was built around Dončić, so continuity and depth are priorities, and extending Washington would address both.
The depth of the Mavs’ roster in the forward and center positions raises questions as to where he will end up in the lineup. The acquisitions of Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis may have Washington end up on the bench. For a franchise intent on continuing previous success without our former star player, extending P.J. Washington would give the Mavs a reliable presence on both sides of the court now and in the future. Washington becomes eligible for the deal on Friday, and the last day to sign the extension is October 20th.
