[17] However, Thomas was out for the entire season with a toe injury, and never played for the Mavericks;[18][19][20] at mid-season, he was traded along with Laettner, Vaught, Alexander and Hubert Davis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Juwan Howard, second-year center Calvin Booth, and second-year forward Obinna Ekezie.
[21][22][23][24] The team also signed free agent Vernon Maxwell, who was previously released by the Philadelphia 76ers.
[29] Dirk Nowitzki averaged 21.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, led the team with 151 three-point field goals, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, while Michael Finley averaged 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, and was selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game in Washington, D.C., which was his second and final All-Star selection.
[44][45][46][47] However, they would lose in the Western Conference Semi-finals to the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
[48][49][50][51] Following the season, Eisley was traded to the New York Knicks in a three-team trade,[52][53][54][55] while Gary Trent signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves,[56][57][58] Booth signed with the Seattle SuperSonics,[59] Ekezie was released to free agency, and Maxwell retired.