P.J. Washington has emerged as the third star for the Mavericks

Every so often, a midseason trade changes a team's fortunes. The Nuggets wouldn't be the champions if they hadn't traded for Aaron Gordon in 2021. This year, the Mavericks are seemingly reaping the rewards of their front office's decision to trade for P.J. Washington ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

With Washington in the starting unit, the Mavs went on an 18-8 run following the All-Star break, a hot streak that propelled them to the fifth seed and helped them avoid a play-in situation. And the trade has continued to pay dividends in the playoffs. 

In 10 postseason games thus far, Washington is averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists while making 2.9 threes per game. In the four games against OKC, the Kentucky alum is averaging 21.8 points and 8.8 rebounds while making 4.8 threes at a remarkable 51.4 percent shooting. 

He has also imposed his will defensively, be it guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Jalen Williams switches, or collecting loose balls and offensive boards for his team. He's been everywhere on the court for the Mavs.

Even more impressively, Washington has emerged as more than just a 3&D player, often handling the ball when Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are trapped or blitzed by defenses. Washington, 25, could eventually emerge as a legitimate third star for the Mavericks if he continues in his current trajectory.

During Dallas' 100-96 Game 4 loss Monday, Washington had a team-high 21 points and carried the workload as the struggling Irving (4-of-11) and Doncic (6-of-20) combined for only 27 points. Washington also led the team in scoring during the 105-101 win in Game 3 when he poured in a career playoff-high 27 points. 

After the Game 3 win, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Washington for doing a little bit of everything for his team. 

"The confidence we have in P.J. on both ends of the floor — not just shooting the three but being able to play with him in the post — but for being able to organize our offense," Kidd told reporters. "He has the skillset to put the ball on the floor and make the right plays. We trust him."