The Detroit Pistons need more shooting, size and depth at the four spot and PJ Washington would be ideal.
His name was mentioned briefly on the Game Theory Podcast, when host Sam Vecenie quickly suggested the possibility of using Dennis Schroder in a sign-and-trade to get Washington.
The Pistons would love to have Schroder back, and I would too, as he’s a guy I lobbied the team to get for years, and he was exactly the kind of veteran point guard they needed. But with Jaden Ivey coming back and bigger needs elsewhere, Schroder could end up being an expensive luxury.
Vecenie did say that the Pistons would have to add “more, but not much more” to pry Washington away from Dallas, and depending on what that is, it’s a deal the Pistons should explore.
PJ Washington might be available
Washington is a fan-favorite in Dallas, but with Cooper Flagg likely on the way, their frontcourt is crowded and it’s likely someone has to go to make room.
That could be Washington, or it could be Daniel Gafford, and there are already trade rumors swirling around both.
Dallas needs a point guard with Kyrie Irving out, Schroder is a known commodity and would be a good stopgap for them who would presumably make less than Washington’s $14 million, which would also give them more cap space.
It makes sense for Dallas both financially and from a roster construction perspective, especially if they could nab a draft pick in the process.
PJ Washington to the Detroit Pistons
Washington is a nice fit on a team that needs size, shooting and depth at the four spot. The Pistons only have one power forward on their roster, Tobias Harris, who is on a contract that expires after next season.
Washington would be a great complement to Harris and possibly his eventual replacement, as he is only 26 years old.
Washington averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Mavs this season while adding 2.2 combined stocks. He shot over 38 percent from 3-point range on 4.2 attempts per game, so would give the Pistons the stretch big they’ve lacked.
He can play as a small-ball five or with another big man, so would give the Pistons more lineup versatility.
I’ve always liked Washington, as he’s got some dawg in him and would fit in perfectly with the culture the Pistons are trying to build. He plays hard and is a good defender.
Sign-and-trades don’t happen often in the NBA for many reasons. They can be complicated, so are always going to be a longshot.
But Washington could be a nice upgrade for the present and future, one who provides the exact skills the Pistons need from power forward.