Dallas Mavericks are expected to trade either P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford before the 2026-27 season to clear a crowded frontcourt, making Washington a key potential target to watch for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Dallas Mavericks could be a team to watch on the trade market before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, and that may be relevant for the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel on the Clutch Scoops podcast, Dallas has a frontcourt logjam that could eventually force the team to make a move, with PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford mentioned as possible names to monitor.
"Not free agency, but I think that center market as a whole is interesting," Siegel said. "And I kind of look at the Dallas Mavericks; they brought back Moussa Diabate, and you kind of ask yourself, well, why?"
Siegel pointed to the Mavericks' crowded big-man and frontcourt rotation, mentioning Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Moussa Diabate, and newly drafted Morez Johnson Jr.
"You just drafted Morez Johnson, you've got Dereck Lively, who is still dealing with his foot injury but they're optimistic about what his prognosis is going to be and when he's going to possibly return," Siegel said.
"But there's a logjam there in Dallas," he added. "And so, who could be the odd man out? Is it going to be PJ Washington? Is it going to be Daniel Gafford?"
Siegel then made a clear prediction about Dallas' next move.
"I think that we're going to get an answer to that over the course of the next month," Siegel said. "We're going to see a trade before the season involving the Dallas Mavericks."
Credit AP - Scanpix
Washington has been floated around Lakers rumors
While Siegel did not directly connect Washington to the Lakers in this podcast, the forward has already appeared in Lakers-related rumors and speculation this offseason.
Washington has been discussed as a potential fit next to Luka Doncic in Los Angeles because of his size, defensive versatility, shooting potential, and previous chemistry with Doncic in Dallas.
Recent Lakers-focused discussions have also examined whether Jonathan Kuminga smoke could be masking interest in a forward such as Washington, though other reports have pushed back on the idea of strong Lakers momentum for him.
That makes the Mavericks' situation worth monitoring for Los Angeles.
The Lakers have been searching for another forward who can fit around Doncic and Austin Reaves, and Washington profiles as a more proven win-now option than many younger names on the market.
The 27-year-old Washington averaged 16.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks for Dallas during the 2025-26 season, while shooting 45.0% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range.
Gafford, meanwhile, averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 21.7 minutes per game for Dallas during the 2025-26 season.
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