PJ Washington: Will He Finish the Season in Dallas?

Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington recently stated his belief that he would be with the team for the start of the 2026-27 regular season. This sentiment was contrasted by a poll where a slight majority of respondents predicted Washington would be traded before the upcoming NBA trade deadline.

Washington is currently navigating the initial year of a four-year contract extension, worth just under $89 million, which he signed last offseason. This season's salary portion is nearly $20 million for the 28-year-old forward, who is considered to be in his athletic prime.

Despite a dip in performance last season, particularly in three-point shooting and turnovers, Washington has a proven ability to contribute significantly when not the primary offensive focus. His value as a trade piece is high, potentially fetching a future first-round pick for teams aiming for contention.

The Mavericks face a challenge in acquiring desirable draft picks due to their current lack of tradable first-round selections. Dallas is reportedly interested in a 2028 draft pick, where they hold a swap option with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

With Dallas projected to win fewer than 32.5 games, a significant downturn could prompt a trade of Washington for assets. However, with the offseason transactions seemingly complete and no immediate pressure, the Mavericks are unlikely to trade Washington for less than his perceived value.