The Dallas Mavericks may have opened the floodgates by securing a buyout with Klay Thompson, and the Los Angeles Lakers may be the biggest beneficiaries.
Per multiple insiders, the Mavericks, who are set to build around young studs like Cooper Flagg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Dereck Lively, are open to moving other veterans such as P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, creating an opportunity for the Lakers.
An intriguing Lakers trade idea doing the rounds would not only land Washington but bring in Derrick Jones Jr. — another member of the 2024 Luka Doncic-led Mavericks. The hypothetical deal would require the LA Clippers to step in as the third team.
Lakers Trade Idea Bolsters Defense
Lakers would receive: P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr.
Mavericks would receive: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt
Clippers would receive: Jaden Hardy, Cash Considerations
Why the Lakers Do It
Washington and Jones were both starters on the Mavericks team that reached the 2024 NBA Finals, and would therefore bring instant chemistry with Luka Doncic.
Taking on P.J. Washington’s long-term contract carries risk, but it might be the exact move the Lakers need to build a complete squad around Luka Doncic. Despite a busy offseason—landing Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle—Los Angeles still lacks a true starting small forward. While Grimes, Mamukelashvili and Sexton lean heavily offensive, Williams and Thybulle offer little on that end. Washington solves that imbalance, sliding seamlessly into the starting lineup with a well-rounded mix of three-point shooting and elite defense.
Ditto with Jones, who, on an expiring salary of $10.4M, would be a much less risky acquisition. During the Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals, Jones was arguably the team’s best perimeter defender, as he did a solid job of locking down All-Stars such as Paul George, Jalen Williams and Anthony Edwards in the three consecutive playoff series. In 22 games, he averaged 9.1 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 37% from deep. There’s no reason he can’t replicate that production for JJ Redick.
Why the Mavericks Do It
For the simple reason of dumping P.J. Washington’s contract. The 3-and-D wing’s four-year, $88M extension kicks in this season, spiking to a salary of $24M in 2029-30. As the Mavs go younger and younger, it doesn’t make sense for them to hold onto him.
Furthermore, the Mavericks recently signed Naji Marshall to a contract extension and traded for Zaccharie Risacher. Add Cooper Flagg and Caleb Martin to the mix, and they may be facing a logjam at the forward spots.
Replacing Washington’s long-term money for Knecht and Vanderbilt helps their books considerably. While Knecht (team option) can be waived next year, Vanderbilt has only one year left on his deal after the 2026-27 season.
Lakers Predicted to Trade for Other Mavericks Vets After Klay Thompson Miss