Last season, the Dallas Mavericks addressed their need for a starting power forward by acquiring P.J. Washington in a trade. This move was crucial for the Mavs, as Grant Williams had not lived up to expectations.
Washington proved to be an excellent fit for Dallas, bolstering their defense and playing a significant role in their impressive playoff run. His 3-point shooting was instrumental in helping the Mavericks advance to the Western Conference Finals by overcoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Alongside Derrick Jones Jr., Washington was a key starting forward for the team, addressing the Mavs’ need for a reliable 3-and-D player. Their defensive contributions were pivotal in the Mavericks’ surprise victory over the LA Clippers. Their combination brought much-needed depth and size to areas where Dallas had previously struggled.
Looking ahead, Washington will have a new teammate in the starting lineup with Klay Thompson expected to take on the small forward position. Thompson’s addition is anticipated to benefit Washington, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving, as his presence will likely ease the defensive pressure and enhance Washington’s scoring opportunities.
However, there are concerns about who will back up Washington. Maxi Kleber is expected to fill the backup forward role, splitting time between the four and five positions. This situation raises some concerns for Dallas, as Kleber has struggled to regain his previous defensive form and his shooting has declined. Other potential backups include Naji Marshall and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
One potential solution could involve trading for a former fan-favorite, which could further strengthen the Mavericks. The proposed trade would involve the Mavericks offering a small group of players and a draft pick to bring in someone with strong connections to Dallas. We will explore the trade details and evaluate the impact on both teams.
