The Dallas Mavericks could have a decision to make before long, and PJ Washington is right in the middle of it.
With Dallas expected to be a team worth watching early in the season, the pressure to get off to a strong start is real. If the Mavericks stumble out of the gate, trade chatter could pick up fast. And among the names drawing attention, Washington stands out as a player with real market value.
That’s not because he’s underperforming. It’s the opposite.
Washington remains productive, but the frontcourt picture in Dallas is crowded, and there are only so many minutes to spread around. As SI’s Austin Veazey wrote, “That has fans looking at possible trades looming for P.J.
Washington and Daniel Gafford, two of the four highest-paid players on the roster. It's not that they're bad players, as they're both quite productive, but there are only so many minutes to go around in the frontcourt, and they likely have the most trade value of the veterans outside of Kyrie Irving,”
The money attached to Washington only adds to the speculation. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted that “But still, trade buzz persists around Washington as the Mavericks find themselves replete with forward talent.
Washington also has a lofty price tag, as he signed a 4-year extension last year worth $88.8 million. The 2026-2027 season will be the first year of the extension,”
Now Marc Stein has added another layer to the conversation. In his latest report, Stein said rival teams believe Dallas would be open to hearing offers if things get to that point. “The perception among various rival teams persists that Dallas would ultimately consider offers for PJ Washington since its roster features countless forwards of all sizes,” Stein wrote.
On the floor, Washington gives Dallas plenty to think about. He plays with one speed - full tilt - and brings a versatile skill set that lets him fit wherever he’s needed. He can run the floor, finish above the rim, and provide the kind of frontcourt flexibility that tends to draw interest around the league.
That’s why Washington could become one of the more appealing names on the market if Dallas decides to move him. When a player combines production, versatility, and a contract that teams have to weigh carefully, the trade calls usually follow.
In Other News...
Mavericks Need More From Naji Marshall In One Crucial Area
Naji Marshall came to Dallas with a reputation as a useful two-way wing, someone who could give the Mavericks sturdy perimeter defense and enough offensive pop to keep the floor spaced. Since arriving, though, the shooting has not traveled with him in the same way it did in New Orleans, and the team is still waiting for that part of his game to settle in alongside the rest of his role.
Marshall has still shown value as a defender, including at least one steal per game in each of the last two seasons, but Dallas wants more consistency on both ends as it heads into the new year. With Kyrie Irving set to return to the lineup, the Mavericks need Marshall to be cleaner and more reliable as a spacer and to bring the kind of effort that helps hold up the wing rotation over the course of a long season. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Opening Night Lineup Suddenly Feels Much More Settled
Dereck Lively II has not yet returned to practice, and his chances of being ready for the Mavericks season opener look slim enough to narrow one of the teams biggest early questions. With the calendar moving toward opening night, Dallas is beginning to get a clearer picture of how its frontcourt will line up, and that matters for a roster still sorting out roles around the paint.
Dusty May is expected to go with Daniel Gafford at center to begin the season, a familiar move for a player who has already started games for Dallas before. The more interesting wrinkle is what comes next: Gafford is slated to take on a bigger offensive role, and that could mean a different look for the Mavericks spacing if his game stretches beyond the usual rim-running duties. [Read more 🡒]
Dereck Lively II Just Became A Bigger Long-Term Mavs Question
Dereck Lively II has become one of the more interesting long-term decisions on the Mavericks docket, with the team facing an October 19 deadline to work out a rookie-scale extension. For now, the expectation is that Dallas will keep its powder dry and take a longer look, especially with Lively still working back from foot surgery and not yet ready to return to practice.
That creates an awkward but understandable pause for a player the Mavericks still view as part of their future, but one whose health and role need more clarity before any multiyear commitment. Recent reporting has also pointed to other players from the 2023 draft class being more likely to land extensions first, which only sharpens the question hanging over Lively as Dallas weighs recovery, fit and timing. [Read more 🡒]