Amid the Minnesota Timberwolves' need for a power forward, P.J. Washington has stood out to me as a clear fit (and an attainable target). Now, the Timberwolves would likely have to wait until September to trade for Washington. This is because Josh Green's contract can't be aggregated with another player until September 9.
With the Timberwolves eager to keep Donte DiVincenzo, trading Green along with a young player (such as Terrence Shannon Jr.) might be their only path to trading for Washington or another power forward.
However, if the Timberwolves are indeed eyeing Washington, they might be in for a rude awakening. Earlier this week, Marc Stein noted that new Mavericks lead executive Masai Ujiri is reportedly fond of Washington.
"Ujiri, for the record, is also said to be a fan of P.J. Washington despite the long-held belief among many rival teams that Washington — like fellow Nico Harrison acquisitions Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson — will remain a trade candidate," Stein wrote.
Now, this doesn't rule out the possibility of Washington being moved, but it certainly makes it feel less likely.
P.J. Washington would be an ideal fit with the Timberwolves
Washington seemed like an attainable trade target for the Timberwolves in my eyes since the Mavericks have a fairly loaded forward room, including Morez Johnson Jr., Zaccharie Risacher, Santi Aldama, and, of course, 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Landing three forwards this offseason made Washington feel expendable.
Alas, though, the Mavericks could simply keep Washington. As evidenced by his days with the Toronto Raptors, Ujiri has a clear affinity for versatile forwards: Washington fits the bill. If this is how Ujiri wants to build out the team, keeping Washington around makes a lot of sense for Dallas.
This would certainly be unfortunate for the Timberwolves, though. Washington is one of the few realistic PF trade options. Green's expiring contract paired with an upside swing on Shannon could entice Dallas. And more importantly, Washington would be an ideal fit with the Wolves. He can guard physical forwards, rebound, punish mismatches, and space the floor a bit.
If Ujiri is committed to keeping Washington, though, Minnesota will have to go in a different direction.
Other power forward targets for the Timberwolves
Both in the trade and free agency markets, it's slim pickings for the power forward spot. While the Timberwolves are interested in Jonathan Kuminga, it's unclear if he'll be willing to sign a prove-it deal.
Outside of him, the Wolves could look at someone like Georges Niang, but it's unclear how many minutes he'd be able to play. Kelly Olynyk is another veteran option, but he'd be a pure depth piece. Dorian Finney-Smith could be a buy-low option if the Charlotte Hornets part ways with him.
On the trade front, Obi Toppin is in a similar tier to Washington (with less defense). Outside of Toppin, though, it's hard to pinpoint realistic targets, and he might not even be available.
As such, the Timberwolves might ride into the season with their hole at the power forward position and re-evaluate things at the deadline. I will never count out Tim Connelly from making an unexpected move, but as things stand, a deadline power forward trade feels more likely than an offseason one.
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