The Charlotte Hornets are open for business, and there is plenty of interest surrounding their available talent. After trading Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat, “a trade involving [P.J.] Washington appears to be likely before Thursday”, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel.
The two teams that appear to be in line to land Washington are the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks.
A trade involving PJ Washington appears to be likely before Thursday, sources said, as the Dallas Mavericks have suddenly emerged as a top trade suitor for him.
More on PJ Washington and the Hornets below: https://t.co/tLHTjNJgV7
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 6, 2024
NBA Rumors: Hornets Forward Trade “Likely”
Hornets Trade Washington to Dallas?
Dallas is pushing for players to complement their star duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. They have been linked with a plethora of names, including Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins, Washington’s Kyle Kuzma, and Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith.
Washington has seen a slight decrease in minutes this season following Miles Bridges‘ return from suspension. The former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 29.2 minutes per game this season.
Washington recently signed a three-year, $46.5 million extension that runs through 2025-26.
The Hornets have reportedly shown interest in Dallas’ Josh Green. The 6’5, fourth-year wing is averaging 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 40.9% shooting from three this year. Green appears to be a key piece in securing a trade for Washington.
Similar to what they are asking for Bridges, the Hornets are also seeking at least one first-round pick in any deal for Washington.
“Rival executives are confident about a one-pick price tag for Washington, especially since his relationship with the Hornets was on thin ice in the offseason.”
The Mavericks own all their first-rounders through 2028.
The Mavericks have a record of 27-24, good for eighth in the Western Conference. Washington could be the piece that separates them from other play-in teams.
Hornets Trade Washington to New York?
The Knicks are in scintillating form right now, but they must mitigate the absence of Julius Randle. Washington would be a perfect fill-in for the time being, and would slot in nicely with the bench unit once Randle returns. New York lacks a solid wing presence off the bench. Once again, the Hornets would demand a first-rounder from New York. Evan Fournier has been completely frozen out in New York, and is a contract that Charlotte could absorb, according to Siegel.
“It is reasonable to believe that the Hornets would be willing to take on Evan Fournier’s contract for the young forward, sources said. That is, if they would be getting an immediate first-round pick in return, one that doesn’t carry heavy protections.”
Knicks’ president Leon Rose has plenty of draft stock available, with four first-round picks in 2024 and a further two more in 2025. They would likely have to trade their own pick for Washington however, as three of the 2024 selections have top-10 protection or more.
The Knicks are currently 4th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-18. Home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs is crucial, especially for a New York team that is 18-6 at Madison Square Garden.
