In an exclusive interview with Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS Mavs got the inside scoop on the Dallas native and his thoughts on the upcoming season. Washington has been at the forefront of trade rumors this offseason as the Mavericks look to retool around Cooper Flagg. The quick interview hit on some big offseason topics, including his local training camp, Kyrie Irving’s comeback, and, most importantly, his future in Dallas. Here are the highlights of how Washington is approaching
next season. The full interview can be found here.
Ujiri loves forwards
It’s no secret P.J. Washington has been one of the more widely speculated names to be in trade discussions for the Mavs. After all, he played a pivotal role for Dallas in its run to the NBA Finals in 2024 and has proven to be a threat on both sides of the ball. In 56 games last season, the 27-year-old averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.1 stocks (steals + blocks). His athleticism and versatility make him one of the more sought-after forwards in the league.
We may not want to admit this, but new team president Masai Ujiri somewhat shares Nico Harrison’s vision of a team built primarily on forwards. After helping the Toronto Raptors win its only championship in 2019, Ujiri was let go by the organization shortly after the 2025 NBA draft. Ultimately, he found a new home in Dallas less than a year later. But there are some unique characteristics about that 2019 Raptors team, a few of which this same Mavericks team has.
Ujiri loves defensive-minded, athletic forwards. His draft history proves it. Some of his most notable picks include Pascal Siakam (27th overall in 2016), O.G. Anunoby (23rd overall in 2017), and Scottie Barnes (4th overall in 2021). His admiration for two-way forwards proved itself in the Mavericks selecting 6’9 forward Morez Johnson. Jr. in the 2026 NBA draft. Dallas’s forward depth is about as deep in the NBA as it gets: P.J Washington, Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher, Caleb Martin, Morez Johnson Jr., Tobi Lawal, Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, Sergio De Larrea, and of course Cooper Flagg.
No room? no problem
With a backlog in forwards, the assumption would be someone has to go, right? Wrong – at least not with Washington. In the interview, P.J. Washington expresses his excitement for the upcoming season and his notable lengthy conversations with Ujiri.
“I spoke to him and my role is just going to be a leader. Going out each and every night and just being myself, being aggressive on both ends of the floor. 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.”
Gray then asked the big question about how confident Washington is about being on the roster on opening night. The Mavericks forward didn’t leave any room for doubt.
“Super confident. I’ve had long talks with Masai and the whole team. I’m super confident I’ll be a Maverick. This is where I want to be. I’m super excited to be here and get things going.”
Washington went on to briefly talk about connecting with new head coach Dusty May. Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington’s minutes together on the court last season weren’t great. Dallas lacked spacing and shooting. May’s desire to run and gun may play to Washington’s strengths more. And of course, it will be beneficial to have Kyrie Irving back. So, there should be some optimism surrounding part two of what Washington and Flagg can look like together. At bare minimum, the Mavericks want to see it in action with Irving’s return and new offensive system.
Looking ahead
Training camp starts in a little over a month, and this roster seems to be what the Mavericks will go with into the season. Gray’s interview with P.J. Washington silently reaffirmed what we thought Ujiri’s vision was with this team. He wants forwards who can do just about anything. He has them, and Washington is one of the most valuable. Although Dallas comes into next season with a completely clean slate and a plethora of new faces, the big question surrounding this team remains the same. Can a forward-heavy team get the franchise back on the winning track? We’ll find out in two months.
