Dallas Mavericks' 45-year countdown continues with Nos. 35-26, blending budding talent and seasoned pros who left an imprint. Dereck Lively II anchors the frontcourt with rim protection and efficient finishing; Daniel Gafford stacks elite FG% and paint presence; P.J. Washington adds versatile scoring and floor spacing for Dallas’ late-season push.

Erick Dampier, Wesley Matthews, Vince Carter, Dwight Powell, Tim Hardaway Jr., Shawn Bradley, and Harrison Barnes complete the batch, delivering rebounds, shooting, and veteran savvy. These names shape fantasy floor and playoff upside, with Barnes offering consistent scoring and versatility across a second-stint context.

P.J. Washington signed a four-year, near $90 million extension with Dallas, locking him into the Mavericks’ frontcourt through 2029-30. Last season he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 45.3% shooting and 38.1% from three, delivering versatile scoring and defense amid the Doncic-era turbulence. Dallas envisions him beside Cooper Flagg, creating a stable core that also includes Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford, a favorable setup for fantasy managers seeking reliable multi-category production.

Washington’s deal signals a long-term plan: Washington provides floor spacing for Flagg’s development while the surrounding extensions lay a concrete pathway for a durable rotation. For fantasy rosters, the bet hinges on minutes allocation and usage stability; if Washington maintains his role, expect steady multi-plot value with upside as the lineup matures.

Sacramento kept its core in place and leaned into a championship chase rather than an overhaul, keeping Domantas Sabonis alongside DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in summer plans while adding Dennis Schroder to steer the offense at point guard. The Kings also added depth via two 2025 draftees, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, and signaled further activity ahead of the season. A Sporting News mock trade paired Sabonis with four Mavericks pieces (Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy) plus a 2029 first-round pick in a bold swap, with Isaac Jones swapped in as part of the package. The hypothetical move would give Sacramento a defensive center in Gafford and a longer, versatile bench (Martin and Hardy) while leaving Mavericks’ frontcourt options open, potentially pairing Sabonis with Anthony Davis others for a formidable front line. The piece underscores Sacramento’s willingness to explore grand swaps while remaining wary of gutting its core.