The stunning trade of Luka Doncic proved that no matter the caliber of player, anyone can be moved in the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline.
The Mavericks have several players who could be traded this season, but there’s one who’s guaranteed to remain on the roster beyond the Feb. 5 deadline.
P.J. Washington is not eligible to be traded until March 10 because he signed a four-year, $88.7 million extension last summer that restricts the Mavericks from including him in a deal for six months. He has three years left on his contract.
Washington earned the extension after producing the best season of his seven-year career. Dallas has missed his defense since he’s missed seven of the last eight games, including the last two because of personal reasons.
Mavericks
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Washington participated in Wednesday’s light practice and is set to return to the lineup Thursday at home against the Golden State Warriors.
He’s averaging 14.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steal and a career-high 1.4 blocks through 31 games this season.
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Since arriving in a midseason trade in 2024, Washington has become a fan favorite on both ends of the floor. He played a significant role in Dallas’ postseason run to the Finals that season, along with fellow trade deadline addition Daniel Gafford.
Washington’s role has changed with the Mavericks’ addition of rookie Cooper Flagg, and while they start alongside each other when Washington is healthy, they play the same natural position of small forward.
Considering Flagg’s potential as the future face of the franchise, he also joins Washington as untouchable going into the deadline. Although Washington is safe from being traded before Feb. 5, the Mavericks could choose to move him during the offseason.