The Mavericks may have just made PJ Washington more reachable, and that should have the Pistons paying attention.
Detroit has been quiet for much of the offseason, but one need still sticks out: more help at power forward. Washington has been floated for a while as the kind of 3-and-D piece that could fit neatly into the Pistons’ rotation, and Dallas’ latest move only adds to the sense that he could be on the market. The Mavericks recently extended Naji Marshall for three more years into 2030, a decision that leaves them with a crowded and costly frontcourt unless they clear out a player or two.
That’s where Washington enters the conversation. His Dallas fit has changed dramatically since he first arrived as a strong complement to Luka Doncic.
Once Doncic was burned by the Mavericks, Washington’s value in that role took a hit. Without that elite creator feeding him, he looked far less effective, and the numbers reflected it.
Washington averaged 14 points per game last season, but he shot only 45% from the field and 33% from three. He has shown better range before, including a 38% mark from beyond the arc the year prior. He also still brings real defensive value, and that was part of what helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 Finals after he came over midseason.
Dallas has also shifted its attention toward younger frontcourt pieces. Reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg is the obvious centerpiece, and the Mavericks added another young forward, Morez Johnson Jr, with the 9th overall pick. Both are going to need minutes next season, which makes Washington look more expendable.
For Detroit, the appeal is more straightforward. Washington may not be the sort of scorer that changes the Pistons’ ceiling, but he does fit a roster that still looks thin at power forward. Right now, the Pistons are projected to have just one proven option there again, this time John Collins.
That opens a lane for Washington as a bench piece behind Collins. He could give Detroit shooting, toughness and defense at a spot that needs all three. He has also built a reputation for standing his ground and getting into scraps when needed, something that would play just fine in Detroit.
The Mavericks have now made it clear again that Washington is not essential to their long-term plan. That should put them in position to listen if teams call. The Pistons shouldn’t overpay, but Washington looks like the kind of insurance policy that makes sense for a team still light at the four.
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