It has been an interesting year to be a fan of the Dallas Mavericks. In June 2024, the Mavericks made a surprise run to the NBA Finals, ultimately falling to the juggernaut Boston Celtics in five games. 

Even still, the future seemed bright, but out of nowhere, superstar Luka Dončić was shown the door via a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. The haul brought back – essentially forward Anthony Davis – was underwhelming considering Doncic’s status.

The Mavs ultimately lucked out, landing the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and superstar Cooper Flagg. Right now, they sit mid-tier, not much below the favorites in the Western Conference winner NBA odds. Above them, just the NBA champions, OKC Thunder, and other usual favorites: Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, and Timberwolves.

Still, the key to the immediate future of the Dallas Mavericks may be in a far lesser-known forward than Flagg.  What does the future hold for P.J. Washington?

Flying Under the Radar

Washington isn’t some surprising rookie that no one expected anything of. The 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Washington was supposed to be a key piece of the Charlotte Hornets’ core. He was fine – at his peak, he averaged 15.7 points per game – but didn’t necessarily live up to his draft position.

After 4.5 somewhat middling years with the Hornets, he was dealt to the Mavericks. In his first season, he had a renaissance. As a regular last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game – all at or near his career highs.

At 27 years old, Washington seems like he may have finally found his fit. Can he take a step forward and play a bigger role for the Mavericks past his “sixth man” billing?

A Good Fit from the Start

Washington hasn’t been with the Mavericks for all that long. He was acquired along with a pair of second-round draft picks from the Hornets to the Mavericks for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a top-2 protected 2027 first-round pick.

Immediately, Washington was an impact player. His energy and impact on both ends of the floor became apparent immediately, and he was an integral part of that magical run to the NBA Finals. That kind of intensity is something you can’t replicate and can really drive a team forward.

Considering Dallas extended his contract earlier this month, to $88 million over four years, they seem to be willing to make him an important key player this season.

Too Good to Bench?

Washington became arguably the glue that held the team together in the wake of the Luka trade. He elevated his game on both ends of the floor and even took steps to become a true leader on the team.

His ability to defend against players of all sizes, to play with physicality, and to stretch the floor make him an invaluable part of Dallas’ rotation. If he can show that it wasn’t an anomaly and elevate his game even further, it would be impossible for head coach Jason Kidd to keep him off the floor.

Washington has earned some love, garnering top 100 player talk. Adding Washington into the mix would also give Dallas one of the biggest starting fives in the league, not to mention a tenacious defense with Washington, Flagg, Davis, and Dereck Lively being known for their defensive abilities.

Washington is an incredibly hard worker, so taking another step forward in his progression may not be out of the question. If he can maintain the efficiency he showed in 2024-25 and improve on his 3-point shooting, it would be all but impossible for Kidd to keep him on the bench to start the game.

An Investment in P.J. Washington

The Mavericks clearly see what P.J. Washington means to them. Earlier this month, Washington and the Mavericks agreed to a four-year, $88.8 million extension that will keep him around through the 2029-30 season.

The Mavericks are in an interesting position. Yes, they got an older, more injury-prone asset in Davis, but he is still a legitimate superstar in this league. With guys like Flagg and Washington around him, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see the Mavericks go on another run this season.

Compared to other players making what he does ($22.19 million per season), Washington looks like a bargain. Trey Murphy III, Miles Bridges, Mikal Bridges, Jaden McDaniels, De’Andre Hunter, and Kyle Kuzma are among the guys making as much as $25 million per season. It could be argued that Washington is a better player than any of them.

At the end of the day, the Mavericks locked up a vital player at a more than fair price. If he can continue his upward trajectory, this deal can become an even bigger bargain. That kind of energy and effort is infectious as well, arguably the perfect setting for such a big prospect like Flagg.

It will take a lot for the fan base to forget the abrupt Luka Dončić trade, but Washington is doing his best to help them forget. If he can lead the charge to a deep playoff run, Luka may feel like ancient history.