The Dallas Mavericks are expected to extend P.J. Washington with a new contract on Friday, keeping the versatile forward in the fold as they aim to compete for an NBA championship in the upcoming season.
NBA Insider Marc Stein reported over the weekend that the Mavericks are “likely” to re-sign Washington when he becomes eligible for a four-year extension worth $90 million.
Although Washington is eligible to sign a contract worth up to $90 million, Dallas will likely look to re-sign the forward on a slightly cheaper contract, with the current expectation that he will sign a four-year deal worth closer to $75 million.
Washington is set to enter his third season as a member of the Mavericks after joining the franchise near the midpoint of the 2023-24 season following a trade from the Charlotte Hornets.
During his time in Dallas, Washington has solidified himself as one of the key contributors, starting in 84 of his 86 games played while averaging 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
The 27-year-old is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career, posting 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 38.1% from behind the three-point line.
Washington also played a key role in the team reaching the NBA Finals during the 2023-24 season, contributing 13 points and 6.6 rebounds while consistently guarding opposing teams’ best players.
Entering the 2024-25 season, Washington will once again be relied upon for the Mavericks, with the team looking to make a deep playoff run after an eventful offseason that included adding rookie forward Cooper Flagg and guard D’Angelo Russell to the roster.
Dallas also opted to re-sign center Daniel Gafford, who was traded to the Mavericks alongside Washington, to a $54 million contract extension earlier in the offseason, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Each player on this roster will need to take a step forward in the upcoming season for the Mavericks to compete for a championship, as guard Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the majority of the regular season due to a torn ACL.
Although the Mavericks are unlikely to compete with the top tier of Western Conference contenders during the regular season, this team could match up well against any team in the league during a potential playoff series.