Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

'He Might Not Start This Year' – Dallas Mavericks’ $90 Million Forward Could Have a New Role This Upcoming Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 11:51 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks recently signed PJ Washington to a four-year, $90 million contract extension, cementing his role as one of the team’s important rotation players.

Washington’s new extension will span through the 2029-30 campaign. He will earn around $14.1 million this upcoming season, as he will play in the final year of his three-year, $46.5 million deal.

Last season, Washington averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks on 45.3 percent shooting from the field across 57 regular season appearances.

Apr 16, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dunks the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

He arrived on the team in February 2024 via a trade with the Charlotte Hornets and was one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks reached the 2024 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.

Dallas Mavericks News: PJ Washington listed as potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate

PJ Washington will stay with the Dallas Mavericks in the long run, but his role could significantly change this upcoming season, following the arrival of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. According to Zach Lowe, having a reduced role could be a blessing in disguise for the former 12th overall pick.

Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dribbles during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“He might not start this year for the Mavericks. I penciled in very tentatively, D-Lo as the Kyrie placeholder, Klay, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Lively or Gafford, whoever they decide to start,” Lowe said about Washington on his podcast.

“And that puts PJ Washington in a bench role. I think he then becomes a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. He’s going to play a ton of minutes at a ton of different positions, including maybe super big lineups with him and Flagg and Davis and Lively. I just think he’s a really good player,” he added.