DALLAS, Tx. — The Dallas Mavericks have entered a rare phase. They hold the No. 1 overall pick in Cooper Flagg and still feature a roster built to win now. Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL derailed last season, the death knell for an injury-ravaged campaign. Yet the injury crisis produced a twist. The Mavericks slipped out of the play-in tournament and hit lottery gold with a 1.8% chance. The silver lining was clear. Through the turbulence, P.J. Washington remained as one of the most reliable players on the roster. League sources told Marc Stein that an extension is on the table, with a four-year deal worth close to $90 million likely.
Mavericks Are Set To Reward P.J. Washington With Huge Extension
Washington has history in Dallas already. He arrived from Charlotte in February 2024, costing the Mavs Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a future first-round pick. In that postseason run to the NBA Finals, he became Dallas’ primary perimeter defender. His assignments ranged from wings to scoring guards, and his impact was impossible to ignore. Against Oklahoma City in the second round, he shot nearly 47 percent from deep on heavy volume. He also averaged 13 points per game, balancing his defensive load with scoring bursts.
Fit Alongside Flagg
Washington turned 27 last week, an age that positions him perfectly between Dallas’ two timelines. He can help lift Flagg in his rookie years while still playing meaningful basketball at his peak. Washington averaged 14.7 points per game last season and posted a career-best 55.6 true shooting percentage despite the Mavericks’ uneven campaign.
His salary projection keeps him below $25 million annually. That number makes him a bargain compared to wings with similar production. PJ Washington’s extension would also secure a piece that rival teams covet. League rules prevent him from being dealt for six months after signing a new deal of more than three years or with a Year 1 raise exceeding 20 percent. That all but guarantees Washington spends Flagg’s rookie season in Dallas.
A Natural Next Step
The Mavericks view themselves firmly in their championship window. Nico Harrison, the team’s general manager, has repeated that message often. Washington fits that vision. His arrival coincided with Dallas’ Finals appearance, and his impact has only grown since. Extending Washington is not a gamble. It’s recognition. His defense, versatility, and ability to space the floor make him indispensable.
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