The Dallas Mavericks made a splash at the 2024 NBA trade deadline by trading Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first- and second-round pick for P.J. Washington. The 2027 first-round pick was an asset they were hesitant to move over the summer, and they used it to get Washington's current best defender.
So far as a Maverick, Washington is averaging 11.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from downtown. Washington has proven to be a reliable option on offense, playing well as a Maverick, but playing with confidence and being deadly when his jumpers are falling. He also likes to shoot floaters, sometimes forcing defenders to back off and attempting turnaround shots from around the bucket.
Last summer, Washington signed a three-year, $46.5 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, a very team-friendly deal for the Mavs. Washington will make just over $14 million in the 2025-26 season, but he hasn't even reached his prime yet.
Washington's two-way ability, combined with his motivation to be great while playing for his hometown Mavericks, makes this a great deal. The Mavs don't have to worry about breaking this contract, and this contract could be very volatile if Dallas decides to go down that path.
