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P.J. Washington Jr. was the hero of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals. Since then, he has faced hardship, both on and off the court. But Washington has found peace playing for his hometown team — and getting tattoos. Washington was put under anesthesia three times over the summer as Ganga, a tattoo artist, and another artist made some of his biggest memories in Dallas permanent on his body. The 6-foot-8 forward had his entire back tattooed and finished his leg pieces. “It was a quick process,” Washington said. “I went in, got the sketches done, they put me to sleep, and I woke up and now we’re here. So I mean it’s the easiest way to get tattoos.”
Mike Curtis: Asked PJ Washington if he still cared about starting/coming off the bench as he enters Year 8: “My biggest thing is winning, whether I’m starting or not. I’ve been on so many losing teams. I’ve been to the playoffs one time in my career…I just want to turn that around & get to the playoffs & just win.”
NBA Trade Machine: Jarred Vanderbilt was part of 7.3% of the trades built on HoopsMatic over the past 24 hours. Of those trades, his top destinations were Dallas (55.2%), Milwaukee (7.8%), and Miami (4.3%). The most common players sent back for him were PJ Washington (55.2%), Derrick Jones (6.9%), and Myles Turner (6.9%).
Oh No He Didn't: PJ Washington on Kyrie Irving: "He looks the same Kyrie as we all know. I can't wait for other teams to go out there and try to guard him. That's my favorite, seeing get scared trying to guard him"
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Kevin Gray of DLLS Sports: When you look at this season, what's your expectation for your game? Obviously, there's a your name is a lot when it comes to trade speculation. How have you handled that amongst the amount of conversation that's have been around you when it comes to trade? PJ Washington: When it comes to that, I don't really try to pay attention to it. I know being a good player in this league, a lot of teams want you, but I think I'm where I want to be, obviously, in Dallas. I love this organization. I love my teammates, coaching staff. So, I think everybody's on the right page with that. I'm just super excited to get in there and finally get to work.
Kevin Gray of DLLS Sports: How confident are you that you're going to be with this roster by the time we get to opening night this year? PJ Washington: Super confident. I've had long talks with Masai, our GM, and the whole team, so I'm super confident I'll be a Maverick. This is where I want to be, so I'm super excited to be here and can't wait to get things going.
Kevin Gray of DLLS Sports: Have you had a chance to talk with Masai Ujiri and discuss what your plan and your role is going to be with this team this year? PJ Washington: Yeah, definitely. Masai's a great guy. I think he's amazing to be here. He's done amazing things for the organization already, so I spoke to him and my role is going to be a leader. Obviously, going out each and every night. Just being myself, being aggressive both ends of the floor, and trying to lead as much as I can this year using my voice and just be the best vet I can for the young guys.
The Lakers’ interest in PJ Washington of the Mavericks is a good example. LA has a need for Washington, who was a teammate of Luka Doncic during the Mavericks’ 2024 run to the NBA Finals. And Doncic, we’re told, would be in favor of a Washington reunion. But Washington signed a four-year, $89 million extension last September, which starts with a $20 million cap hit for this season.
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But the extension is just as big an issue for the Lakers, says one Western Conference executive: “They don’t want that contract. The Mavericks bought a little high on him (in 2025) and he wasn’t as good last year. And you’re committing to paying him $22 million, $24 million down the road.”
Mike Vorkunov: Dillon Brooks will get about 13.98% of the cap in Year 1 on his extension if current 27-28 salary cap projection holds and he's got a flat AAV. That's a little more than Josh Hart got on his extension, two ticks up on PJ Washington, less than Brooks got on his Rockets deal.
APHoops: The Los Angeles Lakers have NOT been in pursuit of PJ Washington, per @JakeLFischer. (via @BleacherReport)
NBA Stat: Worst clutch 3PT% in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season (min. 15 clutch 3PA): 1. Cade Cunningham — 6.7% 2. Paolo Banchero — 10.5% 3. PJ Washington — 11.1% 4. Michael Porter Jr. — 16.0% 5. Russell Westbrook — 18.8% (via Clutch Numbers) #NBA
