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Dallas Mavericks ‘likely’ to make $90 million decision over underrated star this week

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 8:32 AM ET

As the Dallas Mavericks look to move on from the Luka Doncic era, they have to decide the future of one of his former teammates.

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to begin a new chapter in the history of their franchise, one that will be written by Cooper Flagg.

After trading away Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, many felt the franchise would have to wait years to land a new franchise cornerstone.

But fate would intervene, as the Dallas Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, giving them the chance to draft Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the #1 overall pick.

The Mavericks decided to build around Flagg, which included re-signing Kyrie Irving for $119 million. But another star who played with Luka Doncic will get an answer on his Mavericks future this week.

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Dallas Mavericks set to re-sign PJ Washington for less than $90 million

According to Marc Stein, big man PJ Washington will be the next major signing for the Dallas Mavericks, as the forward is eligible this Friday to sign a four-year deal worth a little less than $90 million.

“The next notable on-deck signee could well be the Mavericks’ P.J. Washington, who becomes eligible Friday for a new four-year deal just shy of $90 million.

“League sources tell The Stein Line that an extension for Washington is likely.”

Stein added that while Washington won’t be a starter ahead of Cooper Flagg, he has done enough to earn a new contract with the team.

“While he is no longer an automatic starter in Dallas after the Mavericks stunningly won the draft lottery in May and the right to select Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick, Washington only just turned 27 himself on Saturday and has no shortage of admirers in front offices around the league.”

PJ Washington unlikely to be traded next season

With Washington not having a starting role on the Mavericks, and the amount of interest his age and low salary will attract, there are those who think he will be traded.

However, Stein says that Washington’s new contract will make him ineligible for a trade for six months from the date he signs, which means he is likely to stay on the Mavericks till the end of next season.

“With an annual salary that comes in at lower than $25 million, Washington would certainly still rank as a player coveted by rival teams…

“But it’s important to note that he would be ineligible to be dealt for six months after signing the extension, provided that any new deal inked stretches beyond three seasons or features a raise higher than 20% in Year 1 from his 2025-26 salary of $14.2 million.

“Washington thus appears likely to spend all of Flagg’s rookie season as his teammate in Dallas no matter what.”

Washington will be a strong bench asset for Jason Kidd and the Mavericks next season, as he can fill in at the power forward spot and play a small-ball center role if needed.

However, should the Mavericks get an offer at the deadline that gets them a good return, he could be traded to the highest bidder.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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