Regrading 4 Mavericks trades that turned them into elite contenders in the West

2. Mavericks land P.J. Washington in blockbuster trade

The Dallas Mavericks started their trade deadline day by trading for Daniel Gafford, and they made an even bigger trade later that day.

Dallas traded Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and their 2027 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for P.J. Washington and two second-round picks, and this was the perfect move to make up for how poorly Grant Williams was for Dallas.

Williams started the season off strong, but quickly wore out his welcome. Washington is the exact opposite of Williams, and Jason Kidd has harped about how great Washington and Gafford have been for the team chemistry all season long.

This season for Dallas, Washington averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field. Washington quickly became the best all-around defender on the team, and his rise in the playoffs has helped the Mavs destroy their competition.

In the Thunder series, Washington averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting 46.9 percent from downtown. Washington made the Thunder pay for their game plan of leaving him open, and he is developing into the third star that the Mavs need.

Washington has the tools to turn into an elite 3-and-D wing for the Mavericks for years to come, and Nico Harrison aced this trade. Dallas gets an A for this trade as they landed an elite defensive-minded wing that fits perfectly next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

He has also helped the team's culture with his selfless attitude, and he looks like someone who could be a Maverick for life.