In the NBA, versatility is key. A team that can run a variety of lineups has a better chance of success. These teams are harder to solve – if you beat them one way, they’ll start playing an entirely different game.
With that in mind, the Cleveland Cavaliers are somewhat limited. Their frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are among the most talented 5/4 pairings in the league.
With that said, the Cavaliers are typically forced to play big. They don’t have a reserve that allows them to move away from this pair when necessary.
What type of player would allow them to do that? We’re considering combo bigs who can space the floor and defend multiple positions. How about P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Cleveland Cavaliers Land Charlotte Hornets’ PJ Washington
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Caris LeVert, 2025 Second-Round Pick (CLE), 2027 Second-Round Pick (DEN via CLE), 2029 Second-Round Pick (CLE)
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F/C P.J. Washington
Certain types of players can maximize versatility. Small ball 5s are among the most prominent. This archetype of player gives a team a wider range of options than they had before.
In theory, big guards do the same. A lack of size at a position can be exploited. When your point guard is taller than average, your armor will have fewer holes.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
That’s an advantage that the Hornets have been trying to take advantage of. At 6’7, LaMelo Ball is far above an average point guard’s height. Unfortunately, that hasn’t resulted in many wins for the Hornets.
Does this deal help them improve?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It could. Let’s start from the beginning. The Hornets dragged their feet before extending Washington this summer. They may simply prefer Mark Williams at the 5 and Miles Bridges at the 4.
Charlotte may not see a prominent enough role for Washington to justify paying him. They may see a bigger role for LeVert. He’s prone to offensive inefficiency but a talented shot-creator who could pilot their second unit.
Charlotte may be interested in acquiring LeVert – or they may like that his deal has two fewer years remaining on it than Washington’s.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Still, Washington is much younger than LeVert. That’s why the Hornets are landing a trio of second-round picks here as well.
Should the Cavaliers give up those assets for Washington?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Washington is having a shooting slump in 2023-24. If the Cavaliers make this deal, they’re assuming that he’ll regress to the mean. If he does, they’ll love this deal – Washington is an extremely useful player.
Would this deal portend a Jarrett Allen deal? We’re not sure. He’s been rumored to be on the block for a long time. It’s possible that the Cavaliers aren’t high on Allen and Mobley together on a long-term basis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Alternatively, perhaps that duo would be more functional with a combo big on the bench. That’s something that Cleveland should have more use for than LeVert’s shot creation. After all, it will make them a more versatile team.
