Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
As valuable as PJ Washington may be, the Charlotte Hornets could be justified in deeming him expendable here.
In some respects, he’s like a role-player version of Miles Bridges. It feels nearly certain that the Hornets will retain him in restricted free agency. He had a breakout season in 2021-22 and has become integral to this team’s offense.
Again, the Hornets need to cut costs. Doubling down on a similar archetype may be a luxury they can’t afford. Plus, this deal allows them to ensure they land that much-needed center in the draft. The Hornets kill two birds with one stone with this trade
In all likelihood, it would be about securing Jalen Duren as much as anything else. He’s assured to be on the board at 9, and projects as a perfect fit for this squad as a rim running / rim-protecting big with some secondary skills.
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Alternatively, the Hornets could grab a different player at 9, and still target Mark Williams or Walker Kessler at 13. For that matter, Duren may still be available.
Either way, this deal assures the Hornets of getting their big man in the draft and rids them of the decision of whether or not to pay Washington next summer.
