P.J. Washington embraces the tough sacrifice Mavericks desperately needed

The Dallas Mavericks made another splash this offseason, as they signed P.J. Washington to a four-year, $90 million extension. It's a move long overdue, as Dallas now secures one of their top difference-makers from the 2024 NBA Finals run. Plus, it debunks any trade rumors, as Dallas can't trade Washington for the six months of his new contract.

Washington, along with Daniel Gafford, was in some trade speculation this summer, as some media outlets suspected either one of the following players could be dealt. Some analysts even came up with their own trade proposals, as one idea suggested the Mavs deal Washington for Jaden Ivey. It was a move they felt could move the needle for Dallas.

However, all those proposals can now be put to rest with the recent signing. This now means Washington will be a key component of the team's future and could play a pivotal role in the Mavs' lineup. It's expected that Washington could come off the bench, as Dallas drafted Cooper Flagg, a forward who plays the same position. So, his desire to stay with the Mavs despite having to come off the bench proves his allegiance to the team.

P.J. Washington's new deal proves he'll embrace a bench role

Last season for Dallas, Washington started in 56 of the 57 games he played in. The year prior, he started in 28 games after being traded to Dallas mid-season. So, the expectation has been that Washington would be a primary starter ever since he was traded to Dallas. Yet, the idea of him being in the Mavs' starting lineup could take a different turn this season.

It's projected that rookie Cooper Flagg will take Washington's starting spot, as he is a two-way player who has all the intangibles to succeed at the next level. His high-caliber collegiate season puts him in the category for Rookie of the Year. All signs point to Flagg being a dominant force for Dallas next season.

None of this, though, matters for Washington, as he signed an extension that keeps him under contract for four years. It's a move that shows his loyalty and dedication to the team. Washington could have easily tested the free agency market next summer and vouched for more money, especially knowing there is a high probability he might come off the bench in Dallas.

As mentioned, Washington's role is expected to change this season. It'll be the first time since the 2021-22 season that he'll be coming off the bench for most of the season. Yet, his understanding of Flagg's arrival further proves his dedication to the Mavericks. His extension deflates the notion that Washington might find a way out of Dallas if he is moved to the bench.

Even with Flagg on the roster, it doesn't guarantee Washington will be on the bench full-time. If you recall, three months ago, coach Jason Kidd hinted at a lineup of Flagg and Washington on the court together. Kidd suggested that he could roll out an enormous lineup that includes the players above, along with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Kyrie Irving. The lineup would cause headaches for opposing scorers, as Dallas would be able to switch everything on defense and limit scoring opportunities.

So, with Washington returning, the sky is the limit. Dallas can rotate him between multiples positions and lineup changes. Plus, he'll be able to vie for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. It's an exciting time for Dallas Mavericks basketball, and fans can celebrate that Washington will be part of the team's foreseeable future.