👋 Good morning! It’s a bittersweet day, as this will be my last as the regular newsletter writer. But that’s only because Ali Jawad, who started yesterday, got set up with an account on our newsletter platform and didn’t accidentally send a 1990s-themed newsletter on his first attempt like I did to all of you just a couple weeks ago. He’s clearly more fit for the role than I am!

You’ll still hear from me every now and then, or to fill in if Ali’s out. It was a pleasure bringing you the news each morning. I won’t be far, though! You can always find me on the DLLS Mavs show every day. Thanks everyone! — Bobby Karalla

Dallas Mavericks forward and playoff folk hero P.J. Washington has a massive decision to make next week. He’s entering the final year of his contract, but 10 days from now he becomes extension-eligible. Due to some weird mumbo-jumbo in the CBA that frankly I don’t want to try to explain, he’s only eligible to sign a 4-year, $90 million deal with the Mavs. If he doesn’t sign any deal at all, he’ll become a free agent at the end of the season.

Four years, $90 million. That’s a lot of money, right? Yes, yes it is. But Washington, in my opinion, is worth more. That averages out to $22.5 million per year. Currently, Kyle Kuzma and DeAndre Hunter make exactly that much each. Washington is much better than both, in my opinion.

Meanwhile, Jabari Smith Jr., DeMar DeRozan, John Collins, Miles Bridges, and Tobias Harris all make between $24-26 million. Andrew Wiggins makes $27.3 million. I’m not sure that Washington is better than all of those guys, but he’s certainly better than some of them and he’s at least in the conversation with all of them.

What I’m trying to say is this: If Washington takes the extension, that’s a huge, huge win for the Mavericks. But I’m also trying to say I’m not sure Washington will take the extension. He was terrific for most of last season, but was understandably overshadowed by the chaos surrounding his team. The year before that, Washington was perhaps the series-deciding player in the second round against the Thunder and was a 30-plus-minute starter on a team that made it to the Finals. Those guys get paid, unless their name is Derrick Jones Jr. for some reason.

I don’t think Washington would be a fool to take the deal or anything, let me be clear. If he’s happy in Dallas and happy in his role, take the guaranteed money! That’s still a ton of cash and, though he’s already set for life, his kids’ kids’ kids will also be set for life afterward. But I also couldn’t fault the guy for looking at some of the players around him and thinking that he might deserve what they make, or more. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens.

What do you think?

Joe Milton gave himself a ‘C’ grade after the Cowboys’ second preseason game, a 31-13 stinker against the Ravens. Our DLLS Cowboys crew reacted to that and a whole lot more with just a few days left before the team’s final warm-up.

The Rangers are running out of time, but have a big (but difficult) opportunity ahead of them this week with series against the Royals and Guardians, two teams they’ll need to pass in order to make the playoffs. Last night didn’t go too great, though. Jeff Wilson has more.

PS - HE WAS SAFE. (I’m not biased!)

Who should be Team USA’s starting goalie: Jake Oettinger (duh) or Connor Hellebuyck(…buyck, buyck, f*** Hellebuyck)? Sam Nestler weighs that question and more.

Here’s a nice, heavy dose of nostalgia for you this morning. I needed that sax solo like I need air.

Be sure to subscribe to our shows wherever you listen to your podcasts. Traffic can be the worst, and one of the best ways I get through it is by listening to the audio versions of our DLLS shows. You should, too!

Bobby Karalla
DLLS Sports Head of Content​
[email protected]