P.J. Washington will force the Mavericks into a difficult roster shakeup this summer

Sitting at a record of 23 wins and 48 losses, the Dallas Mavericks have nothing to do but think about what names they want to build around Cooper Flagg with. There is no doubt that Flagg's rookie season has gone better than expected outside of the team's performance, but now it's time to decide who on the roster may be worth trading in the offseason, and unfortunately, P.J. Washington may be on the chopping block.

Fans have already expressed concerns around Washington's long-term fit alongside Flagg, which doesn't make the 27-year-old's case for staying in Dallas a good one. To make matters worse, the Mavericks could be looking to add more offense and shooting around Flagg, and although Washington isn't a slouch offensive player, his 3-point shooting concerns may be enough for the Mavericks to call it quits.

Washington's fit alongside Flagg raises real questions

When the Mavericks acquired Washington at the 2024 trade deadline, it was to fill a need for size, tertiary offense, and defense at the wing position. Alongside Luka Doncic, he fit like a glove.

Now, with a new era of Mavericks basketball ushered in with the emergence of Flagg, Washington's fit in Dallas has never been in more jeopardy.

One of the goals the Mavericks may have in building around Flagg is to add more perimeter shooting. Fans have already seen this with the signing of 3-point sharpshooter John Poulakidas to a two-way contract, and it may be an early sign for what is to come in the summer.

Unfortunately for Washington, he is having one of his statistically worst seasons from behind the 3-point line, as he's shooting 32.4 percent from long range. Not only does this not bode well for Washington's offensive numbers this season, but after signing a lengthy extension last offseason, Dallas may be looking to shed even more salary to free up future cap space around Flagg and other young players.

Why Washington would draw significant interest on the trade market

Despite being a weird fit in Jason Kidd's rotation, Washington can still be considered one of the best role-playing wings in the NBA. At his size, Washington can impact both sides of the floor, and this season, Washington's strength has been on full display anytime he is in the paint with the ball in his hands.

For a team that believes they are just one move away from competing or a franchise looking to make their roster deeper at the wing position, Washington can fill multiple needs while having the playoff experience to make a deep run. Washington would not only gain a hot market, but it's possible the Mavericks can even get future draft capital back in a trade that involves him or other names, which is another reason why Washington's time in Dallas may be coming to an end.

Dallas is already caught in a limbo as to what moves to make this offseason with names like Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford, and while it may be a hard pill to swallow for fans, Washington may have joined that list.