Mavericks rumours: Dallas inclined to trade P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford

As trade negotiations continue before the offseason, NBA rumors reveal the Mavericks' positions on P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.

According to NBA insider Mark Stan, the Dallas Mavericks want to avoid trading forwards P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford in the offseason.

Stan recently said in an interview with MFFL Nation that the team's current tendency is to retain the two players amid increasing trading rumors.

"I'm not saying they won't be traded...I just think they're more inclined to find a solution that neither gives up on either of them. I just don't know if that's possible," Stan said.

Garford and Washington have both become the focus of trade rumors in recent weeks as the Mavericks are considering various options to make up for the depth of the backcourt. As Kyrie Irving missed the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL, the team is expected to explore ways to consolidate the point guard position.

26-year-old Gafford completed his eighth NBA season and his first full season in Dallas. The 6-foot-10 center averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 70.2%. He made 57 appearances, averaging 21.5 minutes per game. Gafford's 2025-26 contract is worth $14.3 million and is about to expire. As he is about to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, he will be an attractive bargaining chip in trading.

Also 26-year-old Washington completed his seventh NBA season with the Mavericks, and his first full season. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and 38.1% from three-pointers. Like Gafford, Washington played 57 games, averaging 32.2 minutes per game. His contract is also about to enter his final year, with the $14.1 million expiration contract coming to an end.

Despite the trading rumors, the Mavericks are trying to protect P.J. Washington and Daniel Garford. Both players played a key role in the Dallas 2023-24 season to enter the NBA Finals, forming a strong frontcourt rotation lineup with Luka Doncic. Their size, versatility and efficient defense make them valuable contributors to both ends of the offense and defense, helping the Mavericks advance in the Western Conference.

However, the team's performance in the 2024-25 season failed to meet expectations. Dallas eventually missed the playoffs due to serious injuries and mid-season lineup adjustments. The team traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on the trade deadline in February for Anthony Davis, which changed the team's long-term prospects.

Dallas is expected to actively negotiate trades before training camp begins due to Irving's absence for most of next season and limited depth of point guard position. Although management is reportedly inclined to retain Gafford and Washington, the two’s contract is about to expire and the team’s position needs may force them to make changes.

With the 2025 NBA draft and free agent market approaching, the Mavericks' next move remains uncertain, but retaining core frontcourt players seems to be the team's top priority.