The NBA draft lottery is seemingly never chalk, but on Monday night, we saw one of the most surprising outcomes in NBA history.
Despite having a record of 39-43, earning a trip to the play-in as the Western Conference’s 10th seed and winning a play-in game over the Sacramento Kings before being sent home in the eighth-seed game by the Memphis Grizzlies, the Dallas Mavericks won the lottery and will be making the first selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.
It was a very controversial season in Dallas. They managed just 39 wins a year after winning the Western Conference and advancing to the 2024 NBA Finals. Of course, the biggest story in the NBA this season was the Mavericks’ trade of star guard Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Mavericks are expected to select Duke freshman Cooper Flagg (as would any other team that owns the first pick). However, there are rumors they could move the pick for a star player like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
It was obvious that the Mavericks would have a lot of decisions to make this offseason but this may make some of those decisions even more difficult.
Mavs Fans Don’t Believe P.J. Washington has a Spot in Dallas
One player that could be on the move is. P.J. Washington. Washington was a huge part of the Mavericks’ run to the finals. Just prior to the 2024 trade deadline, Washington was traded to the Mavericks by the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and a top-2 protected 2027 first–round pick. He signed a three-year, $46.5 million contract with the Hornets in August 2023.
Washington made a big impact for the Mavericks, averaging 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He stepped it up in the 2024 postseason, going for 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while upping his 3-point percentage from 31.4% to 34.2%. Washington made a bigger leap this season, going for 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc.
However, many Mavs fans believe there is no fit for Washington with Flagg potentially joining the team.
“PJ makes 0 sense on this team lol,” one fan exclaimed.
PJ makes 0 sense on this team lol
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom)
“Unfortunately. It’s time to trade him for a PG,” another responded.
Unfortunately. It’s time to trade him for a PG
— JB (@JB13PR)
Another used Thanos to express their feelings, saying ‘Just realised PJ Washington isn’t gonna get minutes any more’
Just realised PJ Washington isn’t gonna get minutes any more pic.twitter.com/vzo7Hb4aFZ
— zac (@shaisprint)
Washington himself even joined in.
👀👀👀
— PJ Washington (@PJWashington)
Other fans, responded to Washington’s tweet with several jokes, including ‘ima gonna hold you hand when i say this…’
ima gonna hold you hand when i say this… https://t.co/tEj9tNlHrP pic.twitter.com/OcYgihIfpc
— SJ (@SJBasketball8)
Another said ‘I ain’t got the heart to tell em’
— YK7 (@Yeahya77)
‘Bro is excited for his replacement,’ another fan laughed.
Some fans have already sent Washington packing for Milwaukee, ‘you’re a buck homie’
Washington is scheduled to make $14,152,174 during the 2025-26 season, the final year of his current deal. With Washington set to become a free agent after next season, he could be a very valuable asset.
