Klay Thompson thinks surprise Mavericks forward has 'All-Star potential'

Washington made an instant impact when he was traded to Dallas in the 2023-24 season, instantly helping turn the Mavericks into a title contender with his two-way versatility. His 2024-25 season was marred by injuries, as was the case for a lot of Mavericks, but he's made an impression on the staff heading into the season.

Whether Washington has just been that great, or the newly signed D'Angelo Russell hasn't integrated into the team yet, a decision was made midway through the preseason to start a supersized lineup with Cooper Flagg at point guard and P.J. Washington at small forward.

P.J. Washington Could Make New Contract Look Like a Bargain

The Mavericks signed P.J. Washington to a four-year, $88 million contract extension in late August, and based on some of the contracts that were handed out recently, that deal could look like a steal.

The start of the regular season also marks the deadline for extensions on players nearing the end of their rookie contracts, and when you see Shaedon Sharpe sign for four years and $90 million, you feel pretty good about the value of the Washington deal.

It's unlikely that he'll reach that All-Star ceiling that Klay Thompson thinks he can reach. After all, Thompson thought D'Angelo Russell would be a superstar when he joined the Warriors. But Washington does look much more comfortable offensively to start this season, though. And that could help a team that looks questionable, at best, on offense.