The Mavericks are loaded with forwards, a depth that might render P.J. Washington expendable, Stein writes in his Substack column. He says other clubs hear Dallas could move him after a roster shake‑up that added former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, lottery pick Morez Johnson Jr. and Euro star Tarik Biberovic.
Washington, 28, begins the first year of a four‑year, $88 million extension signed last summer. He’s voiced a desire to reach the playoffs—a feat achieved only once in his seven‑year NBA stint. In my view, banking on a deep run this season is optimistic, especially as the Mavericks rebuild, and several contenders may circle by the February deadline.
Stein also points to Washington’s recent chat with Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports, where the player referenced a conversation with president Masai Ujiri.
“He told me you’re the kind of big, versatile player I value on both ends of the floor,” Washington recalled. “He promised I won’t be traded—if it ever happened, he’d let me know. That builds trust; he’s a guy you can rely on and have a great relationship with.”
Stein drops fresh league intel.
- With rookie‑scale extensions due in two weeks, Stein lists the most probable sign‑ups. Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George are the only 2023 draftees already extended. Sources say the Hornets’ Brandon Miller, the Magic’s Anthony Black, the Thunder’s Cason Wallace and the Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski are next in line. Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin mentioned “mutual interest” with Scoot Henderson, yet Stein notes the situation with Henderson and Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly remains murky.
- Golden State aims to seal a deal with Podziemski before the deadline. Jake Fischer, Stein’s partner, told Bleacher Report that the Warriors might need to outbid the Heat’s four‑year, $60 million extension given to Pelle Larsson last month.
- Stein recaps the Pistons’ summer standoff with Jalen Duren, which ended when the forward accepted a five‑year, $200 million deal on Oct. 1. Duren pledged loyalty at a Sunday press conference, but any lingering bitterness must vanish quickly as the Pistons open preseason tonight and face their first regular‑season game in 15 days. Will the Pistons click once the dust settles?