Bleacher Report ranked Mavericks forward P.J. Washington second among Lakers trade targets for the 2026-27 season despite a limited market for his contract.
Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus ranked Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington second on a list of Los Angeles Lakers trade targets for the 2026-27 season.
Only Julius Randle of the Brooklyn Nets placed higher. Randle is owed $33.3 million this season. Derrick Jones Jr. of the LA Clippers was third, in the final year of his deal at $10.5 million. Jones played alongside Washington and Luka Dončić on the Mavericks team that reached the 2024 NBA Finals.
Washington's Trade Market Remains Limited
Pincus reported that NBA sources describe Washington's trade market as "barren." According to Pincus, no real suitor is willing to take on his four-year, $88.8 million extension before the season, the Lakers included.
If Los Angeles finds it needs a power forward once the season is underway, Pincus wrote, Washington fits as a former Dončić teammate who defends, shoots, and accepts a role. He also wrote that Dallas would probably take Jarred Vanderbilt's $13.3 million player option for 2027-28 to get out of Washington's longer deal.
The Lakers are short on trade capital. Outside of one first-round pick swap in 2032 and three future second-round picks, they have no draft compensation left to offer, according to Pincus. They also carry 16 standard contracts and need to get to 15.
Mavericks Have Added Depth at Washington's Position
Dallas has added to his position. Santi Aldama and Zaccharie Risacher both came in via trade this summer. Pincus listed them alongside Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in 2025. The Mavericks also used the No. 9 pick in June on Morez Johnson Jr. Naji Marshall signed a three-year, $52.2 million extension that runs through 2029-30.
The Mavericks have held firm on their asking price. Marc Stein of The Stein Line has described Mavericks president Masai Ujiri as a fan of Washington's.
Washington's Production Last Season
Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists last season. He appeared in 56 games and shot 45.0% from the field and 68.7% at the line. His 3-point percentage fell to 32.5% after he shot 38.1% in 2024-25.
In March, then-coach Jason Kidd started Washington at center. He had 20 points, 11 rebounds, five steals, and a block in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Dallas finished 26-56, 12th in the Western Conference.
For Washington, the priority heading into this season was health.
"We'll get a good pick," Washington said. "We'll get Kyrie back. We get Dereck back and start to build a really great team. We're gonna get a lot better this summer. Guys will be healthy. Guys will be working together."
"I think it's going to be really good for us to get some time off and time to work together and just see how we look next year," Washington continued. "The future is bright. For us, it's just coming in and being healthy."
Washington, a Frisco native, came to Dallas from the Charlotte Hornets in February 2024. He signed the extension in September 2025. It runs through 2029-30.
