Some NBA teams are on the cusp. They’re a piece away from contending. It isn’t easy to imagine them winning an NBA title as constructed, but if they could find that piece, they should be in the championship picture.
The Dallas Mavericks are one of those teams. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the roster, they’re squarely in win-now mode. The Mavericks are good. At the same time, it’s hard to imagine them winning the 2023-24 NBA championship.
What are the Mavericks missing? They could use some depth. Dallas could also use some defense in their frontcourt. Dallas may be a role player away from title contention.
Could P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets be that role player?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Charlotte Hornets P.J. Washington
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F/C P.J. Washington
Other teams are much further away. They’re not even close to the title picture. With that said, that’s not a problem for every team. Some teams are happy to maximize their upcoming lottery odds.
In all likelihood, the Hornets are not one of those teams. Sure, this team is young. They’ll benefit from another selection in the lottery. At the same time, it’s been too long since the Hornets were relevant.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
How long until LaMelo Ball requests a trade? Can the Hornets build around Brandon Miller in that event? This team should be looking to return to the playoff picture soon. So, why are they trading Washington?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets should be looking to return to the playoff picture soon. It’s not going to happen in 2023-24. It’s too late for the Hornets. This organization should start thinking about next season and beyond.
So, they’re moving Washington for the much younger Prosper. In all likelihood, the Hornets will give him more opportunities than the Mavericks have. If Prosper makes good on those opportunities, he could be a core piece for this group for a long time.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Or, he could be trade bait. Prosper’s lower age will make him a more valuable chip than Washington if he impresses in Charlotte. Either way, this is about getting young and preparing for the future for Charlotte.
Should the Mavericks part with Prosper?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
This isn’t complicated. Older players tend to be more ready to help a team win than younger players. The Mavericks are ready to win, so they’re flipping a younger player for an older one.
They happen to be cut from the same cloth. Prosper and Washington are similar players, but Washington is a proven commodity. He’s got a skillset that this Mavericks team is missing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Specifically, he can man the 5 in small-ball, spaced-out lineups. Those ought to be deadly when piloted by Luka Doncic. In other words, Washington could be the Mavericks’ missing piece.
