Mavericks closing in on a pivotal moment that will bluntly decide their fate

The Dallas Mavericks are now about two months away from returning to basketball action and entering training camp. While the offseason news circulation has hit a standstill, the Mavericks are on the cusp of a very important date that will not only shape Dallas' training camp stories in October but also the future of the franchise.

There's no doubt that many eyes will be focused on Cooper Flagg as he graces an NBA court against professional talent for the first time in his career in October, but P.J. Washington and his contract extension talks could quickly swoop in and take the spotlight over the next few weeks. It's already been reported that Nico Harrison believes in Washington's fit next to Flagg and is on board with a contract extension, but only time will tell what Dallas' true intentions are.

It's been heavily reported that the Mavericks can extend Washington beginning on August 29 for up to four years and $89 million, but the ball is in Harrison and the Mavs front office's court as to whether they want to extend him. Extending Washington is not only a sign of how the team views the 26-year-old, but it could also shape the future of the Mavericks' franchise.

P.J. Washington extension could reveal Mavericks' true direction

When the Mavericks acquired Washington at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, it came at a hefty cost as they not only offloaded Grant Williams but also traded a 2027 first-round pick in the process. While Dallas' future is a little more certain now that Flagg is on the roster, there's no doubt that the first-round pick given up for Washington would have been a critical piece in building for the future.

With this in mind, extending Washington may be the only option the Mavericks have; however, if Harrison wants to get cute and explore other outlets, Washington may have a market. Assuming the Mavericks don't extend Washington before the season starts, he will be heading into a contract year where he will be a free agent at the end of the regular season, and the Mavs could lose Washington for nothing.

If the Mavericks don't decide to extend Washington, it could likely mean that the front office has begun to focus on the money and avoiding the second apron in the future, which could be a good sign that they would be shifting towards Flagg's future instead of the four-year championship window that Harrison has envisioned.

Therefore, if the Mavericks do want to explore trading Washington at next season's trade deadline, there's zero doubt that the former Kentucky standout would garner attention from almost every team around the league. While trading Washington for value may seem like a good idea for some fans, it may not be a good decision in the long run for the Mavericks.

Not only is it hard to come by two-way wings like Washington, but considering what the Mavericks gave up to trade for Washington, it may be in their best interest to make Washington a long-term fit in Dallas.

While there are shooting and fit concerns surrounding Washington, as well as health questions, the reality of the situation is that teams don't come across young, defensive-minded wings who can change the culture every day. Shooting concerns from the 3-point line alone should not be enough to not extend Washington for the available amount, or a little bit under the full $89 million, but extending Washington would also avoid a massive headache in Flagg's rookie year.

Not only could Washington on an extended contract net the Mavericks more of a return if they decided to trade him in the future, but it's highly likely that he could be a great building block alongside Flagg as the team aims to compete now as well as in the future.