Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington has directly addressed his future, expressing strong confidence he will be on the roster for the 2026-2027 NBA season opener. This update comes as the team builds around young star Cooper Flagg and enters a new era under front office president Masai Ujiri, with their last game a 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026.
What did PJ Washington say about his future?
In an interview with Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS Sports, Washington stated he is extremely confident about remaining with the Mavericks. He cited long discussions with president Masai Ujiri, general manager Mike Schmitz, and the entire organization.
"So I'm extremely confident that I'll still be a Maverick," Washington said. "This is where I want to be. I'm very happy to be here and I can't wait for the real action to start." He acknowledged that his versatility makes him a commodity for other NBA teams but insisted his heart is in Dallas.
Washington loves the organization, his teammates, and the staff. He believes everyone is aligned on his continued role with the franchise.
Why has PJ Washington been in trade rumors?
Trade speculation around Washington began last year following the franchise's decision to trade former superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers. Washington was a key piece during the Mavericks' run to the 2024 NBA Finals, serving as a 3-and-D player alongside Doncic before losing to the Boston Celtics.
No trade materialized, and he played through the 2025-2026 season where Dallas missed the playoffs. His statistical production last season was solid, averaging 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 56 appearances, starting 53 of them.
His three-point shooting did dip to 32.5%, but his defensive versatility and scoring inside remained valuable for a rebuilding squad. You can review his and other player stats on our [stats](/stats) page.
What are the Dallas Mavericks' recent moves?
The Mavericks' offseason has been busy with significant changes to both the coaching staff and roster. The team parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd, who led them to the 2024 Finals, hiring Dusty May fresh off an NCAA title run.
On the roster front, Dallas focused on adding length and perimeter shooting. They executed trades to acquire forward Santi Aldama, guard Marcus Sasser, and wing Zacharie Risacher. The NBA Draft brought more youth, with the selection of Morez Johnson Jr. with the 9th overall pick and the signing of Spanish prospect Sergio De Larrea.
Veteran departures were also notable. The team finalized a high-profile contract buyout with sharpshooter Klay Thompson, allowing him to sign with the Miami Heat. They also moved on from Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, and Dwight Powell through various trades and free agency.
What's next for the Mavericks and Washington?
PJ Washington is now positioned to be a veteran wing leader for a Mavericks team looking to balance its promising youth with experienced guidance. The team's recent form shows a 2W-0D-3L record in their last five games, but they are currently on a two-game winning run.
Washington's commitment provides stability as the new-look roster gels under Coach May. His ability to score, rebound, and defend multiple positions will be important for Dallas's success. The team's upcoming schedule and standings can be tracked on our [fixtures](/fixtures) and [standings](/standings) pages as they prepare for the new season's challenges.
