The Mavericks are reportedly open to trading Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford, with Washington standing out as a potential Lakers target if their Jonathan Kuminga pursuit remains stalled.
The Los Angeles Lakers may have another potential route to fill their remaining need at starting forward.
P.J. Washington
Position SF
Age 27
Height 201 cm
Weight 104 kg
Birth place Louisville, United States of America
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Dallas Mavericks are open to trading Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford as they look to create more opportunities for their younger players around Cooper Flagg.
Washington's availability could be particularly significant for the Lakers, who have previously been linked with the versatile forward and remain in search of a long-term starter alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Washington could offer alternative to Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga has been viewed as the Lakers' highest-upside option at forward, but completing a sign-and-trade has proven complicated.
Los Angeles and Kuminga's camp reportedly remain far apart on terms, while the Lakers have shown little desire to attach significant draft capital to a deal. They would also need a facilitating team willing to take on salary as part of the transaction.
Washington could therefore emerge as a more straightforward alternative if Dallas is genuinely prepared to move him.
The 6-foot-7 forward can defend multiple positions, play without dominating the ball, space the floor, and provide additional size alongside Doncic and Reaves.
His familiarity with Doncic from their time together in Dallas could also ease his transition into the Lakers' system.
Washington is about to enter the first season of his four-year, $88.8 million contract extension, which he signed last September with the Mavs. He is estimated to earn $19.8 million in the 2026-27 season.
Credit AP-Scanpix
LeBron decision leaves trade market on hold
Despite Dallas' reported willingness to discuss several veterans, Sidery noted that a number of offseason moves remain unfinished because LeBron James' free-agency decision has placed the wider market on standby.
Teams interested in James may need to preserve roster spots, salary flexibility, and potential trade assets until his next destination becomes clear.
Once James announces his decision, activity around players such as Washington, Thompson, and Gafford could accelerate.
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