PJ Washington posted career-best numbers in 2024–25, but Dallas’ revamped roster leaves his role uncertain. Eligible for a four-year, $90M extension, Washington could either anchor depth in Dallas or become a future trade asset.
By most measures, PJ Washington had the best season of his NBA career in 2024–25, despite battling ankle injuries.
P.J. Washington
P.J. Washington
Position: SF
Age: 27
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 107 kg
Birth place: Louisville, United States of America
The Dallas Mavericks forward averaged 14.7 points, a career-high 7.8 rebounds, and shot 45.3% from the field and 38.1% from three. The team’s fortunes were noticeably tied to his availability: Dallas went 31–26 when he played, but just 8–17 without him.
The Mavericks, however, are entering a dramatically new era. With Luka Doncic traded, Kyrie Irving sidelined with an ACL tear, and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg projected as a Day 1 starter, Washington’s place in the rotation is no longer secure. Dallas’ frontcourt is already anchored by Anthony Davis at power forward and Dereck Lively at center, leaving Washington likely relegated to the bench behind Flagg.
Still, the Mavericks appear poised to keep him. According to Marc Stein, Washington becomes eligible for a four-year, $90 million extension on August 29, and league sources indicate that a deal is “likely.”
Such a contract would come with consequences. Under NBA rules, if Washington signs the full four-year extension, he cannot be traded for six months—locking him into Dallas for all of 2025–26. That would mean adjusting to a bench role, something he hasn’t done since arriving in Dallas in 2023.
If the Mavericks wanted to preserve flexibility, they could instead structure a shorter deal: three years at $53.5 million in new money (around $67.6 million total). That contract would be less lucrative for Washington but would allow Dallas to keep him tradable in-season.
The Mavericks’ roster depth at forward makes Washington both a potential trade asset and a critical piece of depth. Whether Dallas views him as a cornerstone or a chip for future roster balance will define the team’s approach to 2025–26.
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