As the Golden State Warriors brace for a pivotal offseason, trade rumors are swirling around their young prospects—Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody. With four-time NBA champion and 2022 Finals MVP Stephen Curry determined to keep the team in contention heading into his 17th season in 2025-26, general manager Mike Dunleavy faces a critical juncture. The Warriors may need to part ways with one or more of their promising talents to bolster the roster, and a key priority appears to be acquiring a seasoned wing with playoff experience to replace either Kuminga or Moody.
Recent reports suggest the Dallas Mavericks could emerge as an ideal trade partner, with indications that they may explore the trade value of their versatile two-way forward, PJ Washington, this summer. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, who shared via Twitter/X on Tuesday, “With the incoming arrival of Cooper Flagg, teams are expecting the Mavericks to make PJ Washington available on the trade market for a rotational upgrade this summer. Washington becomes extension-eligible in August, which should bring a potentially strong market from contenders.”
Washington, a 26-year-old, 6-foot-7 forward, has proven his worth as a reliable contributor for Dallas. After reaching the NBA Finals in 2024 and delivering a strong 2024-25 regular season, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 57 games, while shooting an impressive 38.1% from three-point range. His athleticism, coupled with his catch-and-shoot prowess, makes him an ideal fit for Steve Kerr’s system in Golden State, where he could seamlessly complement Curry’s playstyle.
With Washington set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026, the Warriors could capitalize on Dallas’ potential willingness to deal. A proposed trade package centered around Moses Moody and second-round draft capital could appeal to the Mavericks, offering them a young, two-way talent in exchange for a one-year rental of Washington. While parting with Moody, who has shown flashes of defensive versatility and offensive potential, would be a tough decision for Golden State, Washington represents an immediate upgrade. His playoff experience and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor could provide the Warriors with the edge needed to maximize Curry’s championship window.
As Dunleavy navigates this crucial offseason, acquiring a player like Washington could signal Golden State’s commitment to contending now, even at the cost of a promising prospect. If the Warriors pull off this bold move, pairing the $46 million Mavericks star with Curry could reshape their roster and send shockwaves through the NBA.