The Dallas Mavericks have made a significant move by securing P.J. Washington with a four-year contract extension worth $90 million, which will keep him with the team through the 2030 season. This deal reflects the franchise’s confidence in the 27-year-old forward, who has quickly become a vital component of the Mavericks’ roster since joining the team in the 2023-24 season.
The extension, which will take effect in the 2026-27 season, guarantees Washington an average salary of $22.5 million per year. For the upcoming 2025-26 season, he will play under the final year of his current contract, earning $14.1 million. Washington’s journey in Dallas has been marked by his immediate impact, showcasing offensive versatility and defensive strength that helped propel the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Boston Celtics.
In his most recent season, Washington delivered the best performance of his career, averaging 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, along with an impressive 45.3% shooting from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. His ability to rebound, score from multiple levels, and defend effectively has made him a reliable asset in various lineups. Despite the recent departure of superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade for Anthony Davis, Washington’s role remains crucial. He is now one of the most valuable secondary players in the Western Conference and will have increased opportunities to excel, particularly in “catch and shoot” situations alongside the Mavericks’ new No. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg.
Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison has emphasized that the team is in “win-now” mode. In addition to Washington’s extension, the Mavericks have made several strategic moves to bolster their roster, including signing Daniel Gafford to a three-year, $60 million contract, re-signing Kyrie Irving for three years and $118 million, and adding D’Angelo Russell on a two-year deal worth $11.6 million. The acquisition of Anthony Davis, combined with the presence of Irving and Flagg, positions the Mavericks as serious contenders for the championship.
Washington’s role is pivotal not only for the present but also for the future. While the Mavericks currently have no plans to trade him, the flexibility of his contract keeps the door open for potential deals down the line. His moderate and adaptable salary makes him an attractive piece in any future trade discussions. However, his importance to the Mavericks’ title aspirations is undeniable; he significantly enhances the team’s chances of success.
With a strengthened core and championship ambitions, the Mavericks are poised to make a serious run for their second title. P.J. Washington’s extension solidifies his place as a key player in the franchise’s plans, ensuring that he will play a fundamental role in the story the Mavericks aim to write in the NBA over the coming years.