Ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, the Charlotte Hornets will send PJ Washington to the Dallas Mavericks, per the latest NBA news. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hornets will receive Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a “lightly-protected 2027 first-round pick.”
Dallas is sending Charlotte a lightly-protected 2027 first-round pick in the deal, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/FBaVLXUuZF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024
In the offseason, Washington signed a three-year, $48 million contract extension to remain in Charlotte
There were rumors the Hornets were “likely” trading Washington ahead of the deadline. Additionally, Dallas had been linked to Washington for some time and seemed adamant about adding frontcourt help.
This season, Washington is averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Furthermore, Washington is shooting 44.6% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc.
The Mavericks have had a busy day so far as they also acquired Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards.
“Multiple teams” were eying Washington, per Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer:
Multiple teams have inquired about Washington’s availability and the Hornets are fielding more calls on him than any other player, per league sources, even though they aren’t necessarily actively shopping him. Washington, like Richards, has an economical contract that’s attractive to others, making him a hot commodity because any team that acquires Washington would have the versatile big man locked up for the next two seasons
With two hours remaining until the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, it will be interesting to see if the No. 8 seed Mavericks add more pieces to their team for a playoff push.
NBA News: Charlotte Hornets Trade PJ Washington
What PJ Washington Brings to Dallas
Right away, Washington will fill a need that the Mavericks had in the frontcourt. Despite having an elite backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, it became evident they needed a new power forward to boost their team. Washington is a very solid offensive big man. He can shoot on the perimeter, score in the post, and attack the rim. Though he is 6’7″, Washington has experience playing center. This type of versatility would make him valuable on most NBA teams. Additionally, Washington is a good defender who can make things difficult for the opposing offenses.
Before this season, Washington talked about the improvements he made to his game:
For me, that’s what I’ve been working on all summer, just trying to be versatile in the way I can finish around the rim,” Washington said. “I’m just trying to show what I’ve been working on and just try to continue to do that. “I’m just trying to get to my spots. I feel like if I can get to a spot, I feel like it’s going to go in every time. As long as I can get to where I want to get, it’s lights out.
Last Word on the PJ Washington Trade
This is a great move for the Mavericks. They fill a need while also giving up expendable assets. Washington and Gafford is a very intriguing frontcourt. It will be interesting to see how Washington fits in with his new team.
