Mavericks Trade Rumors: Cooper Flagg’s possible arrival opens door to shop $46,500,000 forward for depth
The Dallas Mavericks will get a chance to move on from one generational talent to another. While losing Luka Doncic was a huge blow to the organization, winning the NBA draft lottery put them in a position to select Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, who stands at 6-foot-9 and can play both forward spots, will most likely share the frontcourt with Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II, thus making P.J. Washington somewhat expendable.
With that in mind, Evan Sidery of Forbes reported on Tuesday that Washington will be a name to watch in the trade market this offseason.
"With the incoming arrival of Cooper Flagg, teams are expecting the Mavericks to make PJ Washington available on the trade market for a rotational upgrade this summer," Sidery tweeted. "Washington becomes extension-eligible in August, which should bring a potentially strong market from contenders."
Washington has taken his career to a new level since arriving in Texas. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He also shot 38.1 percent from 3-point range.
He will enter the final year of the three-year, $46.5 million contract he signed with Charlotte before his trade to Dallas. While the Mavs could keep him around as one of the first guys off the bench, they might consider getting something in return for him while they still can.
Mavericks will try to trade for Jrue Holiday
The Dallas Mavericks will need someone to handle point guard duties while Kyrie Irving works his way back from a season-ending injury.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, they've set their sights on two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday.
"The Mavericks hope to acquire one of the guards who defeated them in the NBA Finals this summer. With Kyrie Irving (ACL) injured until at least January and Luka Dončić in LA, Dallas will explore a trade for Jrue Holiday this offseason, according to Marc Stein," CelticsBlog's Bobby Manning wrote on Monday.
Per Spotrac, Holiday will make $32.4 million next season, and he still has two years left on his deal, plus one player option for the 2027-28 season.
The Celtics will be in a tough spot in the offseason because of their steep payroll, so moving on from their defensive stalwart to ease some of the burden might make sense.