P.J. Washington’s future in Dallas questioned as Podziemski, Duren shape extension market

P.J. Washington’s long-term place in Dallas is drawing scrutiny as the Mavericks emerge from an offseason heavy on forward additions. In his latest Stein Line column, Marc Stein reports that rival teams believe the Mavericks may eventually be willing to move on from Washington because of their revamped depth chart at the forward spots.

Dallas brought in former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, lottery pick Morez Johnson Jr. and European standout Tarik Biberovic over the summer. With Washington entering year one of a four-year, $88MM extension signed last offseason, that influx has other front offices wondering if his contract and skill set could be in play later in the season.

Washington has spoken recently about wanting to get back to the playoffs, something he has experienced only once in seven NBA seasons. With the Mavericks in a rebuilding phase, Stein suggests that contenders in need of a versatile forward are expected to monitor his situation closely as the February trade deadline approaches.

Washington highlights trust after talk with team president

Washington also discussed a recent conversation with team president Masai Ujiri in an interview with Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports. “He told me [that] you’re basically what I look for in a player: A big versatile guy that can do a lot of things on both ends of the floor,” Washington said, adding that Ujiri told him he wouldn’t be traded without being informed. Washington framed that exchange as a foundation for building trust with the front office.

Rookie-scale extensions: Podziemski, Miller, Black and Wallace in focus

League-wide, the deadline to sign rookie-scale extensions for the 2023 draft class is now just two weeks away. So far, only Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George have secured new deals. According to Stein’s sources, the most likely players to join them are Brandon Miller of the Hornets, Anthony Black of the Magic, Cason Wallace of the Thunder and Brandin Podziemski of the Warriors.

Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin recently spoke about what he described as “seemingly mutual interest” in an extension with Scoot Henderson, but Stein notes that the true state of those talks is difficult to gauge, as is the situation for Bilal Coulibaly with the Wizards.

Golden State, meanwhile, is believed to be eager to finalize a deal with Podziemski before the clock runs out. Stein’s Stein Line colleague Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report video stream that negotiations may hinge on whether the Warriors are prepared to exceed the four-year, $60MM extension Miami handed Pelle Larsson last month, a contract that looms as a key reference point.

Duren resolves dispute with Pistons on five-year deal

Stein also revisits the prolonged contract impasse between the Pistons and Jalen Duren, which stretched through the summer before ending on October 1. Duren ultimately accepted Detroit’s five-year, $200MM offer, settling the dispute just as training camp games arrive.

Duren publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise in a Sunday press conference, but Stein points out that any lingering hard feelings will have to fade quickly. The Pistons open their preseason schedule tonight and tip off the regular season in 15 days, leaving little time for distractions as they transition from contract drama back to on-court priorities.