Ranking Dallas Mavericks contracts from bargain to nightmare

11. P.J. Washington

The Dallas Mavericks made a massive splash at the 2024 NBA trade deadline when they traded Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round pick for P.J. Washington and a second-round pick. The 2027 first-round pick is an asset that they were hesitant to move over the summer, and they used it to land their now best defender in Washington.

So far as a Maverick, Washington is averaging 11.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from downtown. Washington has proved to be a reliable option on offense, and although he has been streaky as a Maverick, he is deadly when he plays with confidence and his jumper is falling. He also likes to shoot floaters and occasionally will back down defenders and try to shoot turnarounds from around the bucket.

Last summer, Washington signed a three-year, $46.5 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets, and this is an extremely team-friendly deal for the Mavs. Washington will be making just over $14 million during the 2025-26 season, and he hasn't even reached his prime yet.

Washington's two-way ability combined with his motivation to be great while playing for his hometown Mavericks makes this contract an excellent one. The Mavs won't ever have to worry about dumping this contract, and this contract is very moveable if Dallas ever decides to take that route.