Atlanta Hawks & Charlotte Hornets Swap Frontcourt Talents

Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C PJ Washington, 2023 First-Round Pick (DEN via CHA)

Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Onyeka Onkongwu

The Charlotte Hornets were expected to enter this summer with a fairly simple plan. Find a starting caliber big man, retain Miles Bridges, and hope for gains in 2022-23.

You know what they say about the best-laid plans. They don’t always work out.

Bridges won’t be playing for the Charlotte Hornets next season. In all likelihood, he won’t be playing for anyone. He’s facing domestic assault charges this summer. Meanwhile, the Hornets may or may not have executed the other part of their plan by drafting Duke big man Mark Williams.

At the same time, are they sure the rookie will be ready for starter duties? If not, Atlanta Hawks’ big Onyeka Onkongwu certainly is.

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Meanwhile, he’s been buried behind Clint Capela on this team’s depth chart. Washington is similar to current Hawk John Collins, but Collins himself has been on the chopping block for years now.

If the Atlanta Hawks think Washington is a potential replacement, adding him along with a first-round pick seems like a smart move.