The rumor mill picked up serious steam overnight. Across social platforms, speculation surrounding the Mavericks’ summer plans exploded, with growing chatter about a potential shake-up in the frontcourt. As Dallas fans scrolled through late-night highlights and early-morning threads, whispers of roster movement gained traction. The most popular theory? PJ Washington could be on the move.

At first, nothing concrete surfaced. Just a wave of Warriors fans flooding timelines with mock trades, projected cap sheets, and even edited images of Washington in Golden State’s blue and gold. Meanwhile, Mavericks supporters were left wondering if Cooper Flagg’s arrival could trigger a major shift in the team’s forward rotation.

Then came the report that lit up NBA Twitter. Evan Sidery posted: “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.” In other words, PJ might be on the trade block even before contract extension talks begin. That puts Nico Harrison in a delicate position; trying to weigh Dallas’ short-term contention window against the long-term potential of a Flagg-led core. And with contenders like the Warriors and Lakers showing interest, the pressure’s rising.

Let’s connect the dots. Flagg is the generational prospect who stuffs every column on the box score, and he happens to own the same real estate on the floor as Washington. The rookie clocked 19.2 points and 7.5 boards at Duke, swatting everything in sight. Dallas craves that upside, sure, but they also need backcourt juice after ranking 24th in offense once Kyrie Irving limped to the trainer’s table. Washington shot 38 percent from deep on corners, defended wings and fours, and clicked in pick-and-pops next to Luka. He averaged 14-7-3 on 52 percent shooting, solid as granite. Keeping both forwards long term costs real money, and Dallas is already flirting with the second tax apron. Something has to give.

So here we are. A two-timeline gamble is underway, and Flagg’s welcome mat might double as Washington’s exit sign. Mavs GM Nico Harrison can flip PJ for a seasoned guard, draft capital, or cheaper depth, buying developmental runway for the rookie. But don’t look now; both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are lurking. League chatter suggests both front offices are weighing aggressive trade packages that could reshape their rotations. For the Lakers, who flamed out early in the playoffs and watched D’Angelo Russell fold under pressure, a two-way forward like Washington could stabilize the chaos. Think Rui Hachimura, but with a higher ceiling and sharper shooting.

The Warriors? They’re desperate to reboot their identity. Wiggins hasn’t been the same since his leave of absence, and Kuminga; while explosive; is still raw. A plug-and-play guy like PJ, who can guard multiple positions and knock down corner threes, fits perfectly in a motion-heavy system. There’s even talk of Golden State offering up Moses Moody or Brandin Podziemski in a sweetener-heavy deal, trying to snag PJ before the market heats up. If Harrison’s phone rings with those names on the caller ID, don’t be surprised if the Mavericks pick up.

Fans light up the timeline

X wasted no time. First, a Celtics fan with Derrick White as their profile pic pulled this: “Trade him only for a guy like Derrick White! Would be a win-win.” Mavs fans? Silent. Just posted cap screenshots and let the math speak. However, one of them eventually spoke on the matter,

“That’s so tough for PJ Washington, man; loves Dallas, Dallas suburb raised, & was a key integral piece of their Finals run.” Facts. PJ bled for this team. But feelings don’t stop luxury tax bills.

Another user tweeted: “👀👀👀 Parody account Warrior.” Translation? Dubs want PJ. Bad. He checks boxes Wiggins hasn’t touched since 2022. Some fans weren’t buying it, though. One fan tweeted, “Hate for Dallas to lose him. It better be for someone really good or just keep him. Hope Nico doesn’t get hud winked again.” No lies there. Dallas has swung and missed before.

However, not all were as optimistic about the trade. One user sarcastically said, “y’all searching for playmaking guard right?” Needless to say, there was no one way in which this was going to go. Flagg’s not even signed yet, and already? He’s shaking things up. One move, and it might flip the whole Mavs board. Welcome to offseason madness. And we’re not even in July.