Image Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks Prioritize PJ Washington Extension, Talks Move Forward Despite Roster Changes

Contract extension talks move forward despite roster changes

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

While there had been speculation about PJ Washington’s future with the Dallas Mavericks following the arrival of 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, the forward appears set to stay in Dallas.

Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein revealed that Washington is “likely” to receive a contract extension from the Mavericks. Beginning Friday, he becomes eligible for a new four-year deal worth just under $90 million, a commitment that would secure his place on the roster heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

The discussion around Washington’s status emerged because he and Flagg both share the small forward position. That overlap initially raised questions about Washington’s role going forward. However, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd addressed the situation earlier this summer by emphasizing plans to utilize Flagg in a different capacity.

“I want to put him at point guard,” Kidd said of Flagg. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts being able to run the show. Being able to play the two, play the three – he’s comfortable playing that. But we want to push. And I think he’s going to respond in a positive way.”

Sunday Best around-the-league NBA notes because, yes, Sunday night is still Sunday … with the latest from me on late-summer NBA contract extensions, trade possibilities and more: https://t.co/zQLQDQOOfB

📷: @ClutchPoints pic.twitter.com/hvZXAbOybn
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 25, 2025

Washington joined Dallas midway through the 2023-24 season in a trade from the Charlotte Hornets. His 3-and-D profile quickly proved valuable, helping the Mavericks make an unexpected run to the 2024 NBA Finals.

In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while hitting 38.1 percent of his three-pointers, his second-best mark from beyond the arc.

Extending Washington strengthens Dallas’ already deep frontcourt, which features star power forward Anthony Davis along with centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Even with Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL, Kidd’s comments about Flagg suggest Washington will continue to play an important role, though potentially in a different rotation once Irving returns.

Extension Likely With PJ Washington Eligible for Four-Year, $90 Million Deal

Marc Stein noted if PJ Washington signs the full four-year, $90 million extension, he cannot be traded for six months under league rules. That would guarantee his place in Dallas throughout the 2025-26 season, regardless of how the rotation evolves.

The adjustment, however, could include a return to the bench. PJ Washington has largely been a starter since arriving in Dallas in 2023, but Flagg’s introduction and Kidd’s experimentation with different roles may see him shifting back to a reserve position.

Even so, Washington’s impact is clear. His defensive versatility and reliable perimeter shooting give Dallas flexibility, and a long-term extension would solidify him as a central piece in a title contention side.