The Charlotte Hornets made a bold decision this summer. Time will tell whether it was the right one. Leading up to the NBA Draft, most had Scoot Henderson pegged as the number two prospect in his class. The Hornets felt differently. Instead, they opted to select Brandon Miller.
Fair enough. Henderson is a point guard, and the Hornets already have LaMelo Ball. They felt Miller would be a better fit alongside their franchise player.
Still – this was a bold decision. It’s not the only important call the Hornets will make this summer, either. PJ Washington is a restricted free agent as we speak. Could the Hornets sign and trade him to the Dallas Mavericks?
The Trade Scenario
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F Josh Green
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F/C PJ Washington (Sign & Trade)
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks made a bold decision at last season’s trade deadline. By now, it looks like a good one. The Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving. It was a huge talent upgrade, but Irving was always going to hit free agency this summer. Given his unpredictable nature, that was a concern.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington, Dallas Mavericks & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Mavericks don’t need to worry anymore. Irving is staying with the team. With that said, there is still work to be done in Dallas. This team’s supporting cast is insufficient. The Mavericks need to put better players around Irving and Luka Doncic. Is Washington the right start?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
We think so. Let’s talk about who Washington is.This is a versatile defensive player who can guard multiple positions. The Mavericks could use Washington’s size at the 4. Still, he can man the 5 in small-ball lineups.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington, Dallas Mavericks & Charlotte Hornets Updates
In other words, he’s Christian Wood with defense. Basically. Washington would be an excellent replacement for Wood. He serves the same offensive functions while being a plus defender. Ultimately, this is a no-brainer for the Mavericks. Is it the right move for the Hornets?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Not necessarily. For Charlotte, this partly depends on where Washington’s head is. If he’s happy in Charlotte, they could simply retain him. On the other hand, if he’d like to play elsewhere next season, there’s value in letting him go.
At the same time, the Hornets could prefer to move him anyway. They’re bringing Miles Bridges back on a qualifying offer. If he plays well, they’ll be paying him a lot more than that to bring him back longterm.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington, Dallas Mavericks & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets could be wary of having two 4s on the books for big money. If so, they could prefer Green as a high energy reserve behind Miller. That would be a bold decision: But the Hornets are no stranger to those.
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