Mavericks' latest bold move set the stage for an unavoidable trade bidding war

The Dallas Mavericks made the long-awaited move of signing P.J. Washington to a four-year, $89 million extension earlier this month, and since his new deal was for more than three years and included a significant raise, this activated a six-month trade restriction. Washington can't be traded for the entire 2025-26 season, but as soon as next season ends, Nico Harrison's phone is going to be blowing up.

Every team needs a player like Washington, as do-it-all wings who can guard multiple positions, knock down open shots, and bring physicality are invaluable in today's NBA, and they typically can be the make-or-break piece to teams winning the NBA Finals. We recently saw this with Aaron Gordon on the Denver Nuggets, as he gave them exactly what they needed to win their first NBA title, and he is a player whose impact the Mavs have related to Washington.

Washington will likely be the Mavs' sixth man next season unless they run a jumbo lineup, and if he ends up being a top Sixth Man of the Year candidate, every team is going to be all over him.

P.J. Washington is set to become a top trade prize

Rival teams will pitch the fact that Washington would start in their system and have a more prominent role, and if this type of role change intrigues him, he could push for a move out of Dallas. This seems unlikely, as Washington is a true Maverick and seems to be embracing the team's new future with Cooper Flagg at the center, but that could change quickly depending on how next season goes.

Regardless of how Washington feels about his new role or how his season goes, opposing GMs will be calling Harrison to inquire about him, and this all comes down to his team-friendly deal and impact on the floor. The four-year, $89 million extension kicks in next season, meaning that he will be earning about $22.2 million per season.

This is a steal for a player of Washington's caliber, as he has already proven that he can be a key contributor for an NBA Finals team, and this was clear as day during the Mavs' run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Washington was a main reason that Dallas took down the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, and he rose to the occasion whenever they needed him.

If the Mavs hadn't made the Washington trade with the Charlotte Hornets, they likely wouldn't have reached the 2024 NBA Finals, and teams will be envisioning Washington making this impact on their squad next summer. His new deal will be easy to match money-wise, and the type of deals where the on-court impact considerably outweighs the dollar amount are extremely attractive around the league.

If Washington's 3-point shooting can remain consistent, he is going to be one of the most sought-after trade targets in the league next offseason, and Mavs fans should be prepared for this. It would be shocking for Harrison, as he seems extremely fond of Washington and what he brings, but Mavs fans are no stranger to shocking trades.

Anything can happen in today's NBA, and regardless of whether the Mavs want to move Washington or not, teams are going to be calling about him.