The Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal moment as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Following a tumultuous year marked by significant trades, injuries, and an unexpected lottery win, the franchise secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This pick was used to select Cooper Flagg, a highly-touted prospect regarded as a transformative talent capable of reshaping the future of the organization.
Flagg’s entry into the Mavericks has generated a wave of excitement among fans and analysts alike. The 18-year-old forward from Duke had an impressive college season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His accolades include being named the ACC Player of the Year, and his skill set has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Grant Hill and Aaron Gordon. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison has described Flagg as a “generational gift,” firmly refusing to entertain trade offers for the coveted pick.
However, Flagg’s arrival has also created a significant dilemma for the Mavericks, particularly in their frontcourt, which is now crowded with talent. The team has invested heavily in this area, extending Daniel Gafford’s contract for three years at $54 million and retaining young center Dereck Lively II. Additionally, Anthony Davis, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, prefers to play at power forward. This situation complicates the allocation of playing time and roles within the roster.
At the center of this roster conundrum is PJ Washington, a key starter who may find his position jeopardized. Washington, a 25-year-old forward, was acquired from Charlotte at the 2024 trade deadline and played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ Finals run. Last season, he consistently started, averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds while demonstrating his versatility on defense. Currently, he is set to earn $14.1 million in the final year of his three-year, $46.5 million contract. With an extension on the horizon, Washington could command a lucrative deal of up to four years and $90 million.
Despite his contributions, analysts are beginning to question whether Washington fits into the Mavericks’ long-term plans. NBA insider Sam Vecenie highlighted this dilemma on the Game Theory Podcast, noting that Washington’s role could diminish with Flagg’s presence. He observed, “If PJ Washington tells them like, ‘Hey, you guys have no room for me long-term and I’m coming off the bench because we have Cooper Flagg there… why the f** do I want to be there?'”
This stark reality puts the Mavericks in a precarious position. If Washington is unwilling to accept a reduced role, the team may be forced to trade him before the deadline, or risk losing him to free agency without compensation. The excitement surrounding Cooper Flagg continues to build, with fans even speculating about his potential in NBA 2K26, where he is projected to average over 20 points per game.
The Mavericks’ front office now faces the challenge of balancing the excitement around their new star while retaining a proven starter like Washington. Flagg’s addition undeniably alters the Mavericks’ timeline, potentially extending their championship window well into the next decade, especially with Kyrie Irving still recovering from an ACL injury and Davis leading the veteran core.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Mavericks navigate this roster reshuffle. Will they be able to integrate Cooper Flagg without sacrificing the contributions of PJ Washington? The decisions made in the coming weeks could have lasting implications for the franchise’s future as they seek to solidify their status as contenders in the NBA.