The Dallas Mavericks experienced a resurgence in 2024, making their first NBA Finals appearance since their championship run in 2011. Their playoff journey was marked by significant victories against formidable opponents like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite ultimately falling to the Boston Celtics in the Finals, the Mavericks' success was driven by standout performances, notably from P.J. Washington, who excelled in the second round against the Thunder. His acquisition was heralded as one of the best trade deadline deals in recent memory.

Conversely, Grant Williams, who was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Washington, had a brief and disappointing tenure in Dallas. Averaging just 8.1 points and 3.6 rebounds, Williams struggled to find his footing with the Mavericks. Reflecting on his stint in Dallas during a recent podcast, Williams noted that his time with the team detracted from his enthusiasm for basketball, a stark contrast to his more fruitful experiences in Boston and Charlotte.