Almost a week after the Dallas Mavericks miraculously won the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes in last Monday night's NBA Draft Lottery, the franchise has completely changed direction. Flagg's presumptive arrival hasn't just brought buzz back to the Mavericks, but with Flagg soon joining the team, Dallas' future has never looked brighter.
Flagg won't just bring much-needed energy to a team desperate for youth, but he will instantly become one of the Mavericks' best defenders out of the gate. Flagg shined on both ends of the floor in college, and entering his freshman season at Duke, Flagg's biggest question mark was his offensive game, which quickly progressed.
While Flagg will instantly become the face of the franchise and a day-one starter, it could mean the Mavericks have more roster flexibility to make trades. Whether or not Nico Harrison decides to focus on the future and build around Flagg or capitalize on their current championship window has yet to be seen, but regardless of the chosen direction, it will require some tough roster decisions.
Washington may be on the outs due to logjam with Flagg's arrival
Daniel Gafford is already one name that has likely drawn trade attention around the league due to his confusing future in Dallas, but he could soon be joined by fan-favorite wing P.J. Washington. Both players are due for contract extensions entering this season, but with Flagg likely taking more minutes and a larger role away from Gafford and Washington, it may just be best for Dallas to trade them and acquire assets.
It's no secret that a springy wing such as Washington is few and far between in the NBA, and it's clear all 30 teams in the league could covet a guy like Washington, which only drives his value up. While this might be true, Flagg's camp recently came out publicly about how he feels about likely becoming a Maverick and the situation that he will walk into on day one.
"Sources told ESPN that [Flagg's] camp realized how fortunate he is to land in Dallas. Flagg is said to be thrilled by the idea of joining a playoff-caliber roster with strong veterans and a team that has a void at the small forward position." ESPN's Jonathan Givony wrote.
For Flagg's camp to call Dallas' small forward position a "void" might be an overstatement, but the message was clear from Flagg and his camp: the 18-year-old will walk in and start on day one. The buzz around Flagg's camp has been positive since Dallas won the lottery, but his addition to the roster may just take Washington's spot. Washington has proven he can be a starter on any NBA roster, but given Dallas' current situation and with Anthony Davis still on the roster, it's unlikely Washington will start alongside Flagg, barring any injuries.
While it might be unpopular to get rid of a guy like Washington because of what he can do on the floor and because of what he showed during Dallas' run to the NBA Finals last season, it may be necessary. In Washington's final season with the Charlotte Hornets, the 26-year-old inked a three-year, $46.5 million deal that averages out to $15.5 million annually.
Entering his final season of his contract extension, it's very likely Washington will want to do all in his power to try and maximize his value and boost his minutes on the floor. With Flagg just awaiting the June 25 NBA Draft date to join Dallas, this will unfortunately mean Washington's role in Dallas may be one coming off the bench.
If Washington can accept a diminished role and likely a smaller contract because of the reduction in minutes, the Mavericks would probably be more than happy bringing him back because it's been proven that you can never have too many defensive-minded wings in today's league. While this is an outcome every fan wants, it may not be realistic, especially considering Dallas' need for a second ball-handler.
Entering next season, the need for a secondary creator has never been greater, considering Kyrie Irving will likely miss at least half the season recovering from his torn ACL. Gafford will probably be the first name the Mavericks try to trade, but if they are serious about acquiring their point guard of the future, Washington would likely need to be included in trade talks as well.
Washington has grown a lot in Dallas, and fans would hate to see him in another team's jersey, but it might be necessary if the Mavericks wish to stay competitive with a rookie year Flagg.