Here it comes! A $90 million, 4-year deal! Another major signing for the Mavericks.

It's here, just as anticipated.

Insider Shams:PJ Washington signs a four-year, $90 million extension with the Mavericks.

Wow, the big contract is secured; now you can add an extra egg to your pancakes.

Washington, born on August 23, 1998, is 27 years old this year, a forward standing 2.01 meters tall with a 2.19-meter wingspan. So far, he has played one and a half seasons for the Mavericks and helped lead the team to the Finals in 2024 as a starter.

The Mavericks acquired Washington from the Hornets last February along with two second-round picks, trading away Grant Williams, Ky Bowman, and a 2028 first-round pick in return.

In his NBA career to date, Washington has averaged 30.6 minutes in the regular season, contributing 13.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1 steal per game, shooting 44.8% from the field, 35.8% from three, and 70.9% from the line; in the playoffs, he played 35.7 minutes per game, averaging 13 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, with shooting splits of 42.7%, 34.8%, and 70.9%.

Last season, Washington was a guaranteed starter for the Mavericks, appearing in 57 games with 56 starts, averaging 32.2 minutes, 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. However, with the arrival of the top rookie Flagler, his role may shift to the bench.

But the money is secured, so no worries.

The Mavericks’ core lineup for the new season is basically set as follows:

Guards: Irving, Russell, Thompson, Christie, Exum;

Forwards: Flagler, Washington, Marshall;

Inside players: Davis, Gafford, Lefferds.

As for the Mavericks’ championship prospects next season, it largely depends on Irving’s injury status and whether he can return to peak form after coming back.

This nine-time All-Star guard suffered a torn left ACL earlier this year and is expected to return no earlier than January next year.

To be honest, even a fully healthy Mavericks team would find it tough to claim the top spot, given the fierce Western Conference competition: the reigning champions Thunder, the Rockets with Durant, the upgraded Nuggets, plus the Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Clippers — none of them are easy opponents...