Paul Jamaine Washington Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He began his NBA career when he was drafted 12th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2019 after playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky. As a rookie, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020. In February 2024, he was traded to the Mavericks and contributed to their journey to the NBA Finals that same year.
P. J. Washington was born on August 23, 1998.
On November 10, 2016, P. J. Washington committed to play basketball for the University of Kentucky.
In 2017, P. J. Washington averaged 19.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game as a senior in high school. He was also selected to both the Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald's All-American Game.
P. J. Washington was rated as a five-star recruit in the 2017 high school class.
On May 30, 2018, P. J. Washington announced his return to Kentucky for his sophomore season after initially declaring for the NBA draft.
P. J. Washington officially signed with the Charlotte Hornets on July 3, 2019.
Following Kentucky's loss in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, Washington declared for the 2019 NBA draft.
P. J. Washington was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft with the 12th overall pick.
On September 15, 2020, Washington was named to the 2019-20 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
In 2020, P. J. Washington was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
On February 28, 2021, Washington scored a then career-high 42 points against the Sacramento Kings.
P. J. Washington's second son, Paul Jermaine Washington III, was born in 2021.
On March 28, 2023, Washington scored a career-high 43 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
P. J. Washington married Alisah Chanel in October 2023.
On January 27, 2024, Washington tied his career-high with 43 points against the Utah Jazz.
On February 8, 2024, Washington was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
P. J. Washington was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2024.
A 2027 first-round draft pick was involved in the trade that sent Washington to the Mavericks.