The Mavericks strengthened again! Leave the defensive champion and sign Irving back to substitute!

The Dallas Mavericks have renewed their contract with forward P.J. Washington and have also brought back defender Dante Exam, which should finalize the 2025-26 squad.

Dallas Thunder announced a deal for Washington on Thursday. The contract renewal is worth $89 million and lasts for four years, a person familiar with the matter said. The person revealed the news in an interview with the Associated Press under anonymity.

Since joining the Mavericks before the 2024 trade deadline, Washington has been an important role player. Dallas entered the NBA Finals four months later.

Washington's position in the lineup will be an interesting question with the addition of first-place pick Cooper Flag. Washington plays as a small forward, which seems to be Flagg's best position.

Both can play with Kyrie Irving when he recovers from a torn ACL injury. Irving is expected to miss the start of the season and it is not clear when he will be able to return.

Eckum will serve as one of the main options for point guards before Irving returns, and if the 11-year veteran stays healthy, he will also be part of the team's depth. The 30-year-old was drafted with the fifth overall pick from Australia in 2014, and has missed a lot of games with injuries in two seasons in Dallas.

The Mavericks made room for Ekm by cutting Olivier Maxson Proser (first round pick last year).