Mavericks Secure P.J. Washington: The $90M Gamble That Could Define Their Dynasty
The deal isn't just about a single player; it's a strategic move that affects the entire Mavericks' future, from roster construction to their ultimate pursuit of a title.
Written by Lavanya, Intern, Allegedly The News
DALLAS, September 4, 2025
The Dallas Mavericks' journey to the 2024 NBA Finals was a testament to bold, mid-season moves, and no acquisition was more impactful than the trade for P.J. Washington. Now, with a new four-year, $90 million contract extension, the Mavericks have solidified their commitment to Washington and their vision for a long-term championship contender.
The Financial Blueprint: Unpacking the $90M Extension
Washington's new contract, averaging $22.5 million per year, represents a significant financial commitment for the Mavericks. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle, as it locks in a key starter through the 2029-30 season. The deal's structure is a win for both sides: it gives Washington long-term financial security while providing the Mavericks with a tradable asset on a team-friendly contract. However, because of the salary increase, Washington will be ineligible to be traded for six months, meaning he is a definite fixture on the roster for the entire upcoming season.
This signing follows a busy offseason for the Mavericks, who also extended Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford. Irving's three-year, $118.5 million contract and Gafford's three-year, $60 million extension underscore a clear strategy: retain the core group that led them to the Finals. The front office is betting that the synergy between Luka Dončić, Irving, and the supporting cast is a recipe for sustained success.
| Player | New Contract | AAV (Approx.) |
| P.J. Washington | 4 years, $90M | $22.5M |
| Kyrie Irving | 3 years, $118.5M | $39.5M |
| Daniel Gafford | 3 years, $60M | $20M |
This trio of extensions, totaling over a quarter of a billion dollars, signals a departure from the franchise's previous strategy of constant roster turnover. The Mavericks are now a luxury tax team, fully committed to winning in the present. The salary commitments will put pressure on the front office to be shrewd in their future moves, as every dollar will count.
Washington's Rise: From Charlotte to the Finals Spotlight
P.J. Washington's journey to this massive payday is a story of consistent improvement and a perfectly timed breakout. Drafted 12th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2019, Washington spent his first four and a half seasons there, developing into a versatile forward with a solid all-around game. He was a consistent contributor, but it was his trade to the Mavericks in February 2024 that truly unlocked his potential.
In Dallas, Washington flourished in a clearly defined role alongside superstars Dončić and Irving. He became a crucial "connector" on offense, a capable floor-spacer, and, most importantly, a versatile defender who could guard multiple positions. During the Mavericks' playoff run, his play was instrumental, particularly in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he stepped up with clutch shots and tenacious defense. His performance in the brightest moments of the postseason validated the Mavericks' trade and made this extension a no-brainer.
The Perfect Fit: A Playstyle for the Future
The Mavericks’ long-term vision is built on a simple premise: surround Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving with a mix of three-and-D players, dynamic rim-runners, and versatile bigs. P.J. Washington fits this mold perfectly. At 6'7" with a 7'2" wingspan, he has the size and athleticism to defend both wings and bigger forwards. His ability to switch onto different players, from shifty guards to bruising centers, is invaluable in today's NBA.
Offensively, Washington's game has evolved. While he has always been a solid shooter, his improved efficiency from behind the arc (shooting 38.1% from three-point range in his first full season in Dallas) makes him a legitimate floor-spacer. His ability to attack off the dribble and finish around the rim adds another dimension to the Mavericks' offense, preventing defenses from keying in solely on Dončić and Irving. The synergy between Washington and the "Luka-Kyrie" duo is undeniable, as he's proven to be an opportunistic scorer and rebounder who thrives on the attention the superstars command.
What Happens Next? Roster, Cap Space, and Championship Aspirations
With Washington, Irving, and Gafford all under new contracts, the Mavericks have locked down their core. The question now becomes: how does this impact their championship aspirations and future roster decisions?
The signing solidifies Dallas's position as a legitimate contender. The front office has made it clear that they are "all-in" on this group. While their cap space is now limited, the team has retained key contributors and can focus on smaller, targeted moves. The Mavericks now have a talented, cohesive roster with a mix of established stars and promising young players like Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg. The potential of a frontcourt rotation featuring Washington, Lively, and Flagg is intriguing and gives the Mavericks a strong, athletic defensive presence for years to come.
The challenge will be managing the luxury tax and finding the right role players to fill out the bench. The team will be limited to using exceptions and minimum contracts in free agency, making savvy scouting and development more important than ever. The Washington extension, however, gives the Mavericks a tradeable asset in the future if a bigger star becomes available, providing the front office with flexibility despite the heavy financial commitments.
Comparing the Deal: Context in the Modern NBA
Washington's $90 million deal is a reflection of the current market for versatile, two-way forwards. The contract is in line with or even a slight bargain compared to similar players. For example, Washington's deal is comparable to extensions signed by players like Jarrett Allen ($100 million over 5 years) and RJ Barrett ($120 million over 4 years), both of whom are seen as valuable, but not top-tier, players. The deal also gives the Mavericks cost certainty, avoiding a scenario where Washington's value could have skyrocketed in free agency.
Viral Reactions and Expert Opinions
The signing has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from the Mavericks faithful, who see it as the final piece of the puzzle in retaining a championship-caliber roster. Fans have taken to social media, celebrating the move with the hashtag #MFFL (Mavericks Fan For Life). Sports analysts, while acknowledging the high price tag, have generally praised the move as a necessary step for the franchise. The consensus is that while the Mavericks are now a luxury tax team, they've successfully retained their core and have a clear path forward.
A High-Stakes Bet on Stability
The P.J. Washington extension is more than a simple contract; it's a statement. The Mavericks have chosen to bet on stability and continuity, a rare strategy in today's NBA landscape of constant player movement. By locking in a core of Dončić, Irving, Washington, and Gafford, the franchise has built a foundation for sustained success. The deal is a testament to the player's hard work, the front office's vision, and a collective belief that the chemistry cultivated during the 2024 Finals run is the secret ingredient to a future championship.
Discussion Questions
How does the P.J. Washington extension impact the playing time and development of rookie Cooper Flagg, especially given their similar positions? Do the Dallas Mavericks have enough perimeter playmaking and depth on the wing to compete with the NBA's elite teams, or will they need to make a trade to address this weakness?
