The Pistons have been too preoccupied to make many notable moves this offseason, but they could still use additional depth at power forward. PJ Washington has long been rumored as a perfect 3-and-D role player to bolster Detroit's rotation, and he might now be more available for trade than ever. The Mavericks recently extended forward Naji Marshall for three more years into 2030, guaranteeing themselves a crowded and expensive frontcourt unless they ship out some players like Washington.
PJ Washington isn't necessary in Dallas anymore
When Washington first arrived in Dallas, he was a perfect supporting piece next to star Luka Doncic. But after Luka was burned by the Mavericks, Washington's fit with the team became a lot more questionable. Without an elite playmaker to set him up, Washington looks a lot less impactful and that showed in his stats last season.
Last season, Washington got up to 14 points per game but shot just 45% from the field and 33% from three. But he's previously shown the ability to shoot much better, including 38% from three the season prior. Beyond shooting, Washington also brings a lot of value as a good defender; his contributions on that end helped the Mavericks make the 2024 Finals after his midseason acquisition.
While Washington's profile has decreased since the Doncic trade, Dallas has moved on to younger and more exciting frontcourt players. Obviously reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg is the headliner, but the Mavericks also just added another young forward in Morez Johnson Jr with the 9th overall pick. Both will need plenty of playing time to develop next season, which makes Washington even less valuable for the Mavericks.
Washington can still fill a role in Detroit
But there's still a spot in the Pistons depth chart for Washington. He doesn't have the scoring punch to be the Pistons' ideal trade target, but he can add valuable two-way depth at an understaffed position. For yet another season, the Pistons are currently slated to have just one proven power forward on their roster - this time it's John Collins.
Washington would be a solid bench piece behind Collins who could bring much-needed shooting along with the necessary toughness and defense to the power forward spot. Throughout his career, Washington has also shown a tendency to stand his ground and get into scraps with opponents when necessary - traits that will be welcomed and celebrated in Detroit.
Now that the Mavericks have shown once again that they don't have a long-term need to keep PJ Washington, they should be willing to take trade calls on him. The Pistons shouldn't give up a ton for him, but Washington would be a nice insurance policy to keep for the undermanned power forward spot.
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