Analysis: Why is the Mavericks potential PJ Washington trade a disaster?

Despite rumors that the Dallas Mavericks may trade PJ Washington to him, it would be a mistake.

Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington is considered a potential offseason trading candidate. The Dallas Mavericks are expected to pick Cooper Flagg in the No. 1 pick after winning the NBA draft draw. Flagg is in a similar position as Washington, and the Mavericks need additional defenders to strengthen due to Kyrie Irving's injury, so the idea of ​​trading Washington emerges as NBA rumors begin to circulate.

However, the Mavericks need to keep Washington on the roster unless they receive a trade offer that is too good to refuse.

Why should the Dallas Mavericks hesitate to trade Washington? After all, the stars are Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (once he returns from injury). Why not trade Washington to enhance the lineup?

In any team sport, chemistry and leadership are one of the most important factors in success. PJ Washington has become the adhesive for the Mavericks' lineup. Irving will likely not return from an ACL injury until January next year, while Davis is still adjusting to playing in Dallas’s new team.

The Mavericks need a leader on the field, and PJ Washington may be the answer.

PJ. ​​Washington is the Mavericks' adhesive

Washington has made great progress in the adversity of the team last season. As someone who has covered the Mavericks all season, I can be sure that Washington has played a key role in maintaining solidarity as the team goes through all the ups and downs. Despite Doncic's trade and the team's injuries continued, Washington still did his best to help the Mavericks stay calm.

"Just more outspoken," Washington talked about how he grew into a leader in the 2024-25 season. "Obviously, I've played for a bad team before. I know how bad things can get. I just try to boost morale and be someone who dares to speak out every night, and also strives to lead by example."

However, this is not just a manifestation of leadership and chemistry. Washington has performed well in 57 games in the past season, averaging 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. After all, there was a reason Kyrie Irving called PJ Washington a “new star” in February.

"We miss him when he's not in the starting lineup," Irving said of Washington after the Pelicans' match against the Mavericks in February. "We can play in a small roster... As a core of the organization, pull the opponent's center out of the three-point line... we just need him to stay aggressive."

"He is the rising star in our team. He is showing that. His data has proved that. So I think it's time to further discuss how PJ Washington can continue to maintain these abilities."

If Kyrie Irving calls you a "new star", you're the real star.

Trading Washington is not the solution, however, talent and data are not the main reasons why the Mavericks keep Washington. If Washington hasn't become the leader yet, it might be a wise move to take advantage of Washington's outstanding performance this season to trade him in the summer.

But in fact, the overall value of PJ Washington is crucial to Dallas. If the striker is traded, the Mavericks' chemistry will be very different. It doesn't matter who they get. Chemical reactions are crucial, and Washington can lead the way in this regard.

The Mavericks are likely to make some moves during the offseason. In fact, they should probably make a deal or two. However, trading PJ Washington is not the solution.