Most NBA rebuilds don’t happen overnight. A team will miss the playoffs by a long shot for several years in a row. Once they finally have a season where they’re on the cusp of the play-in tournament, they’ve got something to celebrate.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have skipped that step. Last year, this team missed the playoffs. This year, they look like championship contenders. The Thunder made a leap, and they made it instantaneously.
By contrast, the Charlotte Hornets have struggled to get off the ground. This team has been at the bottom of the NBA standings for far too long. Could they send P.J. Washington to the Thunder as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Oklahoma City Thunder Land Charlotte Hornets’ P.J. Washington
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Davis Bertans, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C P.J. Washington
The Thunder’s situation is envied around the league. Even if they didn’t have draft picks, that would be true. The Thunder are contenders, and all of their best players are 25 or younger.
Yet, the Thunder have picks. In fact, they have more future first-round picks than any team in the NBA. Once again – the Thunder’s situation is envied around the league. Surely, fans of the Hornets are feeling a little green.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
With that said, the Hornets’ situation isn’t so bad. LaMelo Ball is a superstar when he’s healthy. Brandon Miller has been impressive as a rookie. Still, none of it amounts to much if the Hornets don’t start winning games soon.
Does this deal help them accomplish that task?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It does not. That’s fine. The Hornets are one of the worst teams in the NBA. They need to make a leap, but at this point, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to happen during the 2023-24 season.
So, why not punt on the year? Sure, that’s a bitter pill to swallow. The Hornets should swallow it. Flipping quality players for assets would be the most prudent path for this front office as the trade deadline approaches.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
That’s what they’re doing here. The Hornets shouldn’t mind absorbing Bertans’ contract – it’s not especially burdensome. Meanwhile, a lottery protected first is as much as they’re going to receive for a player who’s having a shooting slump.
Should the Thunder even want Washington?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Washington is having a shooting slump. Ball has been injured on and off throughout the year. There’s likely a causal relationship between those two facts. Without Ball, the Hornets don’t have a primary playmaker.
Meanwhile, Washington is a play finisher. That should suit the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is durable. Otherwise, the Thunder have playmaking to spare throughout this roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
On the other hand, they could use a versatile combo big. Acquiring Washington allows the Thunder to unlock some intriguing small ball lines.
Otherwise, he can play alongside Chet Holmgren as well. He should make the Thunder a better team – and the rest of the league more envious in the process.
