The life of an NBA player is almost constantly under media scrutiny, especially if they are in relationships with celebrity partners, like the Kardashian sisters, who have regularly made headlines for years.
Not many of those relationships actually last, and many players are better off dating low-profile women who are harder for the media to access. That was likely also what P.J. Washington thought, but recently his relationship has begun filling media columns.
Namely, news broke that he bought his wife, Alisah Chanel, a $1.5 million Valentine's Day gift, which is certainly one of the more shocking amounts we've heard in recent times, and it's safe to say that Paul Pierce does not approve.
"Bro, you setting us back bro," Pierce said with a slight smile on his face while smoking a hookah. "I wish you would have kept that quiet, though, because now other girls are going to be like, Oh, he did this.'"
The Dallas Mavericks forward is far from a superstar in the league, but over the years, he has become a reliable 3-and-D NBA player — a profile that is now essential in modern NBA roster construction.
All of this has led Washington to sign an extension with the Mavericks through the 2030 season, during which he will earn around $90 million, while he has already made around $65 million in his career.
When it comes to the 2008 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics , he has earned around $195 million during his career, and P.J. could actually surpass him by the end of his own career, which is somewhat unbelievable given their respective status and playing level.
Still, times have changed, and this situation is the new normal in the league, so it should not be surprising if Washington buys his girlfriend a Ferrari for Valentine's Day, no matter how absurd it may seem to some. At the end of the day, for him, it is just a drop in the ocean, and P.J. earned that money on the court, without shortcuts to success.
The lifestyle of most NBA players is a topic in itself, and one that sparks plenty of discussion. Many players' careers are marked by divorces, which can sometimes lead to serious financial strain due to child support and other obligations.
This reality hit Washington personally when his ex reportedly threatened to serve him court papers during a live NBA game , putting a very public spotlight on the intersection of professional life and personal challenges.
"I am struggling to make ends meet, and I cannot provide Paul III a life anywhere similar to that of his father," BrittanyRenner said , according to "Us Weekly." "To put in perspective how ridiculous current orders are, current child support payments … will comprise 0.30 percent of [Washington's] monthly income. This is less than half a percent … of what [Washington] earns."
All of this, considering the income he has earned so far and will continue to earn, should not significantly affect Washington. Still, P.J. would not be the first or the last NBA player to end up nearly broke because of a few wrong life decisions, as we've recently heard in the case of Trevor Ariza .
Of course, as long as Washington is in a happy relationship with his chosen partner, they have every right in the world to live exactly the way they want, but it should not be forgotten that in everything there needs to be a certain measure and balance.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
