Mavericks drop quiet P.J. Washington signal before rumored contract decision

With media day only being less than a month away, anticipation is brewing for the Dallas Mavericks' 2025-26 season. Dallas has a diverse array of talent on this roster, ranging from 18-year-old prospect Cooper Flagg to plenty of talented veterans, but there isn't a ton of continuity on their roster, especially with Kyrie Irving poised to miss the start of next season.

One way the Mavericks could secure some more continuity on next season's roster would be to sign wing P.J. Washington to a contract extension, as Washington became eligible for an extension up to four years and $89 million on August 29. While it's been a few days since this date has passed, there's still a good reason for fans to be hopeful that Dallas and Washington can get a deal done before training camp starts.

Just two days before Washington became extension eligible, the Mavericks posted a workout video of him getting some shots up in a practice gym at his former school in the University of Kentucky. Washington is obviously still under contract for next season, so while this promotional video isn't some sort of guarantee that Dallas plans on signing him to an extension, it's very plausible Washington is in good standing with Dallas' front office and wants to reach a deal on an extension soon, as the Mavericks likely wouldn't of reposted the workout video to X if this wasn't the case.

Mavs' Washington workout video should give fans hope for an extension

The Mavericks could've elected to trade one of Daniel Gafford or Washington this offseason to accrue more guard help, but it seems like that possibility has been tossed out the window at this point in the offseason. Any team in the NBA could use a player with Washington's skillset, being that he is a versatile and bigger-bodied 3-and-D wing, but his fit in Dallas' starting unit will be tested next season if the Mavericks elect to start him alongside Flagg.

Washington isn't close to the same level as a movement shooter compared to Klay Thompson, and the Mavericks are already running thin on outside shooting in their starting lineup, so Washington will have to continue to prove he's a reliable catch-and-shoot shooter and can make quick decisions when attacking off closeouts, as Dallas will need this versatility from him if he's going to start.

If Washington can't make this adjustment or is unhappy coming off the bench in the scenario Thompson starts, perhaps the Mavericks would consider trading him ahead of next season's trade deadline, but Dallas would be smart to get an extension done now, as Washington would be on a contract that has plenty of year left and would reflect fair market value, even if the deal would render him unable to be traded this season.

Washington was even wearing Mavericks shorts in the workout video, so it's clear he is still committed to the Mavericks and is proud to wear his team gear out in public. If Washington had been posting cryptic messages on social media or deleted pictures of him with the Mavericks on his Instagram or something of the sort, it would be much more valid for fans to be concerned over this matter, but all signs are pointing toward Washington and Dallas getting a deal done.