Mavericks' final offseason move says quiet part out loud about Nico Harrison's plan

The Dallas Mavericks closed their offseason by extending P.J. Washington, a move that didn’t generate the same buzz as a blockbuster trade but spoke volumes about general manager Nico Harrison’s blueprint for the franchise moving forward. With Washington now secured alongside Daniel Gafford and Kyrie Irving, Dallas has made its intentions clear: build a foundation of versatile, reliable players on sustainable contracts that allow the team to compete now and keep options open later.

Washington’s four-year, $90 million deal underscores his value to the Mavericks’ identity. Since arriving in Dallas, he has proven to be the type of player every competitive roster needs, someone who can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and fit seamlessly into different lineups. His postseason performances highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion, and his skill set gives Dallas flexibility on both ends of the court. The extension not only rewards his impact but also locks in a forward who will remain in his prime for the duration of the deal.

The move follows a similar theme to the extension that Gafford received earlier this summer. Gafford’s three-year, $54 million deal keeps one of Dallas’ most consistent interior anchors in place. He may not be flashy, but his rim protection, rebounding, and vertical spacing have become vital to the Mavericks’ scheme. Much like Washington’s contract, Gafford’s extension strikes a balance between securing stability and maintaining financial versatility.

Nico Harrison is all in on Dallas' current squad

Then there’s Kyrie Irving, whose three-year extension this offseason ensured the Mavericks retained veteran star power in the backcourt. His deal is shorter in scope than Washington’s or Gafford’s, but it provides Dallas with a proven shot creator and playmaker while younger players develop. Irving remains the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ offense, and his contract length gives the team flexibility to re-evaluate its direction in a few years without being locked into a declining asset.

Together, these extensions tell a bigger story.

Harrison isn’t chasing splashy names or short-term fixes; he’s building a roster that emphasizes depth, athleticism, and versatility. By locking in players like Washington and Gafford on manageable deals, the Mavericks protect their ability to pivot if an opportunity arises for another major addition. At the same time, the contracts are structured so that each player can either remain a long-term cornerstone or serve as a tradeable piece down the road.

The “quiet part” of Harrison’s plan is now clear: Dallas isn’t gambling its future on uncertain bets. Instead, it is laying the groundwork for a sustainable contender by committing to players who fit the team’s vision and salary structure. Washington’s extension, in particular, signals confidence in a player who may not dominate headlines but embodies the two-way versatility that wins in today’s NBA.

It may not have been the loudest offseason, but by extending Washington, Gafford, and Irving, the Mavericks have shown that their future will be built on stability and balance. For a franchise looking to define its next era, that’s a message worth saying out loud.