The NBA’s trade market is not fixed. It changes. A number of factors will determine whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market.
At the moment, the market is for buyers. We’ve seen that in recent transactions. The Charlotte Hornets couldn’t get an unprotected first-round pick for Terry Rozier. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors didn’t receive any draft capital when they moved O.G. Anunoby.
This is good news for the NBA’s contenders. They’re in a position to land quality players at a discount. Contenders like the Los Angeles Clippers with limited assets stand to benefit.
Could they acquire P.J. Washington from the Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Clippers Land Charlotte Hornets’ P.J. Washington
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F P.J. Tucker, G/F Brandon Boston Jr., 2024 Second-Round Pick (IND, UTA or CLE via LAC), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F/C P.J. Washington
How did the market change? It wasn’t long ago that it was a seller’s market. The Utah Jazz received four unprotected first-round picks – and Walker Kessler – for Rudy Gobert. The San Antonio Spurs got three picks for Dejounte Murray. What happened?
That exact same spending spree happened. The number of buyers reduced. There are a few teams left in the league with the assets to broker one of those trades, but the number is dwindling.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Moreover, teams have seen those all-in trades yield varying results. The Minnesota Timberwolves look strong this year, but we need to see them in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks are seemingly already looking to move Murray.
Should the Clippers be giving up assets for Washington?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
This wouldn’t be the biggest move that the Clippers made this year. They made a huge all-in push by acquiring James Harden. So far, that’s looked like the right decision. When this team has a healthy roster at their disposal, the Clippers are world-beaters.
Yet, they did lose some good players in that Harden trade. The Clippers sent Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for the star guard. All three of those players are wings with plus positional size and defensive value.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
So is Washington. He’s here to replace the Clippers’ trio of forwards. Tucker has looked his age this year – Washington will be a tremendous upgrade. Should the Hornets send him to Los Angeles?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It’s a buyer’s market, and the Hornets have already started selling. They’re not going to let the market dynamics impact their decision-making. That’s probably smart. This is a team that needs to retool around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Boston Jr. could be part of their future. This is a young player with a high ceiling and a low floor. Boston Jr. hasn’t had a lot of opportunities at the NBA level, but he’s a dynamic ball-handler and shot creator. He should get more chances to shine with the Hornets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Meanwhile, Tucker would be a useful mentor for this young team. He’s also not an especially burdensome contract – next year will be the last year of his deal. That should make it easy for the Hornets to move him next season. By then, the trade market could shift all over again.
