The Dallas Mavericks have built a competitive roster this offseason, anchored by a top draft pick and several key contract arrangements, positioning themselves as strong contenders for upcoming championships. Central to their plans is the focus on securing P.J. Washington through a potential contract extension, reflecting the team’s commitment to maintaining a versatile core.
Recent Contract Restructuring Highlights Team Stability
Among the notable moves, Dallas restructured the contract of center Daniel Gafford, locking him in for three years with a $54 million deal. This contract is seen as favorable given Gafford’s valuable contributions on both ends of the floor during the Mavericks’ recent NBA Finals appearance. Similarly, point guard Kyrie Irving underwent contract adjustments after opting out of his player option for the season; he then signed a new three-year, $118 million deal. This adjustment freed up the taxpayer mid-level exception, which Dallas used to add depth by signing veteran guards D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum.
Rumors Suggest P.J. Washington’s Contract Extension Imminent
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Dallas’ general manager Nico Harrison is expected to finalize a contract extension for P.J. Washington next month. Washington, known for his standout performances throughout the 2023-24 playoffs, currently has a contract that expires at the end of the upcoming season.
I anticipate PJ will sign an extension next month,
MacMahon said, via DLLS Mavs.
And I think that it’s probably going to be at a number that he’ll be very tradable on.
—Tim MacMahon, ESPN Analyst
The mention of Washington potentially being “tradable” has stirred some concern among fans, but the Mavericks have consistently indicated their intention to keep both Gafford and Washington as integral parts of their young, experienced core. This suggests the extension will likely come with a salary aligned to his current role and team value.
P.J. Washington’s Role and Importance to the Team
Hailing from Frisco, Washington excels as a “3 and D” player—offensively reliable with his spot-up three-point shooting and defensively versatile against multiple positions. His toughness and mentality throughout last season’s playoff run helped galvanize the team, earning him recognition as the emotional backbone and leader on the floor. Even with the Mavericks transitioning after the Luka Doncic trade, Washington remains a central figure in the locker room and on the court.
His leadership was evident recently during the NBA Summer League opener, where Washington supported teammates including the team’s No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg and other rookies, helping foster team unity during their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Impact of the Extension on Mavericks’ Future Prospects
This upcoming extension will retain Washington alongside Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II, forming a core group with significant potential in the Western Conference. When healthy and cohesive, this group could pose serious challenges to rivals and extend the Mavericks’ competitive window over multiple seasons.
Although fans may be reluctant to consider Washington tradable after his playoff heroics, the possibility of such a scenario reflects the business aspect of the NBA. At 26 years old, Washington’s contract terms could make him attractive on the trade market, allowing Dallas to seek valuable returns if necessary. However, current indications emphasize that Washington is highly regarded both for his on-court contributions and his leadership role within the organization.
Washington’s Performance and Contract Details
In the 2023-24 season, Washington averaged 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc. He played a career-high average of 32 minutes per game, demonstrating his durability and reliability. His cap hit for the upcoming season stands at $14.1 million, with any new extension set to begin after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.