Nico Harrison crushes Mavericks' top trade rumor moments after Cooper Flagg pick

The Dallas Mavericks made some of the most important trades in franchise history when they got P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford before the trade deadline in 2024. These were the final pieces to get the Mavs back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 11 years, and Washington and Gafford were ultimately big parts of that journey as they both started and provided huge boosts to the squad.

Of course, this offseason has gone with some crazy trade speculation about these two players, but more specifically, Washington. After Gafford signed a contract extension earlier this week, another question was answered during Nico Harrison's press conference on the night of the first round of the NBA Draft. It looks like Washington's future in Dallas is guaranteed despite fans' speculation that the Mavs would trade him since he and Flagg play the same position.

During his post-draft press conference, Harrison made it clear that he talked to Washington during Flagg's pre-draft workout, and Washington believes that he can play alongside Flagg. What was once thought of as a logjam is now going to be a powerful force, and Harrison putting the Washington trade rumors to bed once and for all is exactly what Mavs fans wanted to see.

Harrison views Washington as a complement to Flagg, not trade bait

In the great problem of the Mavericks having many key frontcourt weapons, it looks like more questions are being answered than issues are being caused. Cooper Flagg is going to get to play next to some great players right away, and he can use their gravity to find some open looks for this upcoming season.

A vicious, ginormous starting lineup could be coming to Dallas, especially after Harrison reflected Washington's eagerness to play with Flagg. If everything works right, Jason Kidd can use a lineup of Kyrie Irving (once he's healthy), Flagg, Washington, Anthony Davis, and Gafford. This is a lineup filled with Harrison's main motto of "defense wins championships."

If Harrison's plan to keep Washington holds true, this unlocks the Mavs' true potential to become a dominant defensive team. Washington has also continued to slowly get better at his offensive skills. Compared to his days with the Charlotte Hornets, Washington is increasing his range from deep while keeping his same intensity on defense.

Washington has been one of the more important pieces since he arrived in Dallas, as his shooting has been vital to the team's success. Playing next to an ultra-dynamic playmaker like Flagg will only elevate Washington's game to new heights. Harrison is making a great move, ensuring that Flagg and Washington will take the court together.

Harrison said that the Mavericks will "play a different brand of basketball" with Washington and Flagg on the wings, and this potentially huge starting lineup is going to be a blast to watch. There is going to be tons of defense in that unit, and it looks like Mavs fans will get their wish of Washington remaining in Dallas.

We have a whole offseason to figure out what exactly the team will look like before next season, and Mavs fans are praying that Washington will be on the squad once opening night rolls around. With Gafford getting a monster deal, it looked to be potentially the end of Washington in Dallas. Now, with Harrison saying that Washington and Flagg could see time together on the court, it might be a great opportunity to hold on to any future plans regarding Washington.

Flagg being in Dallas is a great option to have, and it might also mean that Harrison gets to experiment with all the big guys being together on the floor at the same time. At the very least, they could experiment with this current squad for the first half of the season before looking at potential trade options. With the Mavs also looking for a veteran guard to help hold down the fort until Irving returns, this also could mean the end of one of the Mavs' big men at some point.