P.J. Washington is playing himself right off the Mavericks

P.J. Washington played a pivotal role in helping the Dallas Mavericks advance to the NBA Finals in 2024 and has been a staple in the rotation ever since. However, Washington has struggled recently, and his long-term fit alongside Flagg has been in question.

His recent injuries and struggles could prompt the Mavs to consider trading him this summer, as it's possible they would be willing to do so.

Remember, Dallas is in a weird spot with Anthony Davis' injury. They sit three games behind the 10th seed and 5.5 games back from the worst record in the Western Conference. It seems their playoff chances are in limbo, but their future is bright with the arrival of Flagg.

This is why the team could consider trading Washington. Dallas has already stated that they want to start gaining and building young assets around Flagg. Plus, the Mavs recently proclaimed that anyone not named Cooper Flagg or Kyrie Irving is on the table. This leaves the possibility that Washington could be traded this offseason, as his in-season struggles further support the notion.

Dallas should explore P.J. Washington trades

As mentioned, Washington has been struggling lately. His recent regression is way off from his start at the beginning of the year.

Part of the issue could be attributed to his injuries this season. Washington has missed three games this month already. Remember, he left January 3's game against the Houston Rockets with a right ankle sprain, the same injury that has kept him out in the past.

The injury is a concern in itself, as this is his second ankle injury this season. So, similar to Anthony Davis, Washington's history of ankle injuries is a brewing problem that could force Dallas to trade him as soon as they are eligible to do so this summer.

However, if his injuries don't force Dallas to pull the plug, then Washington's recent 3-point struggles could be the turning point.

For example, Washington got off to a hot start during November. He averaged 16.3 points per game and shot 32.4 percent from the 3-point line. Washington even had multiple games in the month where he shot above 35 percent from the 3-point line.

However, his most recent performances don't support his numbers from November. Currently, Washington is struggling to shoot the ball from long range. He has made two 3-pointers over the past five games. His shooting form seems off, and Washington seems out of sync.

His shooting has always been a major variable, and he hasn't been able to give Dallas the consistency that they need.

Not to mention, it's an issue Mavs fans are tired of seeing. Their 3-point struggles have been prominent this season, as Dallas has the worst 3-point percentage in the league. It's an issue that was destined to doom Dallas.

Part of the problem has been the Mavs not shooting enough 3-pointers, while the issue is that Dallas is simply not making their long-range shots. It's a concern the team can't seem to overcome, as players like Washington were supposed to help ease the problem.

This is why Dallas could trade someone like Washington, as they'll look to upgrade their 3-point shooting. Remember, the Mavs want to start building assets around Cooper Flagg, so equipping him with shooters could be in their long-term plan. He is also a true power forward, just like Flagg, and they have to find a way to better balance their roster.

Not to mention, Washington would have great trade value, as any team would love to acquire him if given the chance. So, this could be the time Dallas finally makes a move.