P.J. Washington is currently having a solid individual season, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game on 44.7 percent shooting. However, the Dallas Mavericks are currently just 12th in the competitive Western Conference with a 19-30 record, and due to injuries to Kyrie Irving and the Anthony Davis trade to the nation's capital, they are realistically far from the title race that was expected of them before the season.
But that may not be the biggest problem for the 6-foot-7 forward in his seventh NBA season. Washington is in the middle of a courtroom battle with his ex-girlfriend, Brittany Renner, with whom he had a son, Paul III, in late May 2021.
Although Washington pays $5,500 in monthly child support as ordered by the court and has made a one-time payment of $130,000 to cover past arrears, Renner and her legal team have requested higher monthly support and were reportedly willing to take drastic measures to get it.
"I am struggling to make ends meet, and I cannot provide Paul III a life anywhere similar to that of his father," Renner 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."
Near the end of last year, Renner's legal team requested a signed Stipulation and Order by November 18th. They threatened that if Washington and his team did not comply, they would serve him court papers during a nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28th.
"There are currently eight tickets in Section 102, immediately behind the visitor bench where Mr. Washington will be seated," Renner's lawyer said. "I plan on purchasing all eight tickets (which are going for an average price of $2,317 per ticket) to ensure that there are no problems with my process server being able to effectuate service."
"There are multiple tickets for Section F10, Rows C and D (directly behind the visiting bench). These tickets are selling for more than $2,000 each. Again, I intend on purchasing all available tickets to ensure my process server is able toeffectuate personal service on Mr. Washington."
Washington defended himself, stating he has fulfilled all court-ordered obligations and is not at fault for Renner relocating to California from North Carolina, noting that the child was conceived in North Carolina and he has no connection to Los Angeles .
Renner reportedly requested the massive increase after moving to California, which Washington says was entirely out of his control. According to the latest reports, her legal team ultimately did not go through with serving court papers during the game.
The case is still ongoing, and the latest updates will come once the court makes a ruling. As for Washington, he has earned just under $70 million over his career and currently makes around $22 million per season after signing a four-year, $90 million extension with the Mavericks in 2025.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
