Mavericks' P.J. Washington move brings glorious silver lining fans prayed for

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks have signed P.J. Washington to a four-year, $90 million extension to keep him in Dallas through the end of the 2029-2030 season, This was a move that was expected for some time, and this new extension has placed a six-month trade restriction on Washington since the deal was for more than three years.

A six-month trade restriction means that Washington can't be traded until March, meaning that he will remain a Maverick for the entire 2025-26 season since the trade deadline is in February. Mavericks fans should be thrilled about this, as Washington has been a key piece in Dallas ever since he was traded from the Charlotte Hornets at the 2024 trade deadline, right before their NBA Finals run, and it looks like he will be a crucial building block for the Mavs as they enter the Cooper Flagg era.

Mavs fans feared that Washington could get traded this summer since he and Flagg play the same position, and since Dallas was interested in a couple of high-level guards, fans always thought Washington would be the odd man out. It sounds like Jason Kidd and Nico Harrison are confident that Washington and Flagg can coexist on the floor, and all trade speculation can be thrown out the window. It remains unknown if Washington will start alongside Flagg or come off the bench, but regardless, Washington will be a Maverick for at least the next year.

Mavericks' P.J. Washington trade speculation just got obliterated

Last season for Dallas, Washington averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from downtown. His major improvement as a 3-point shooter made him indispensable for Dallas, especially since he struggled so much from beyond the arc during his first season with the Mavs, and he was one of the most important players on the squad all season long.

Outside of Washington, none of the other Mavs wings could guard and play multiple positions, knock down open shots, and rebound at a high level, and he was always willing to take on whatever role Kidd assigned him. From playing center to even playing small forward at times, Washington was ready for anything, and Dallas falling into the trap of trading him this summer would've broken fans' hearts.

Mavericks fans are already still heartbroken by Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and while no trade will ever live up to the shock factor of that move, Washington being moved right after his first full season with the team would've been a tear-jerker. He loves playing in Dallas, and losing another player from the 2024 Finals roster would be a tough pill to swallow.

While the Mavs do seem to need more guard depth, moving on from Washington after his prolific 2024-25 season would've been a major mistake. Flagg would've undoubtedly helped hold down the frontcourt with Washington gone, but their wing depth would've been abysmal. Outside of Washington and Flagg, Dallas doesn't have any other wings with both elite size and defense, and a new gaping hole would've been created.

Mavericks fans can now rest assured that Washington isn't going anywhere for at least the next year, and by signing this extension, Harrison has solidified his feelings on him. Washington looks to be a key piece of the Mavericks' future, and if they want to make a trade to upgrade their backcourt, it will have to involve a different player who is not named Paul Jamaine Washington Jr.