The NBA’s trade deadline is approaching. By all accounts, it’s going to be a buyer’s market. With that in mind, some teams are going to have to sell anyway.
They don’t have any other viable options. We’re looking at the worst teams in the NBA. The market conditions may not favor them, but that doesn’t change their position. They need to prioritize getting future-focused assets, even if they’re getting optimal deals.
The Charlotte Hornets seem to recognize this. They just sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. With that in mind, they’re expected to continue selling. Could they send P.J. Washington to the Sacramento Kings?
NBA Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Harrison Barnes, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C P.J. Washington
Did the Hornets get a bad deal for Rozier? It’s a bit difficult to make that call. They received an expiring contract in Kyle Lowry. The Hornets also netted a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick. If that pick doesn’t convey in 2027, it becomes unprotected in 2028.
Some will suggest that they should have gotten a more valuable pick. To be fair, Rozier is having a career year. He’s scoring with tremendous volume on great efficiency. Shouldn’t his market value have been one unprotected first?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings Updates
Perhaps. On the other hand, teams are typically wary of players putting up big stats on bad teams. Rozier’s usage will inevitably decline in Miami. Meanwhile -at the risk of repeating ourselves – it’s a buyer’s market.
Should the Hornets sell on Washington?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets are also getting Barnes back. Let’s work backward and start there. He’s a floor-spacing wing who should be easy to move for more assets this summer.
Meanwhile, every lottery-protected pick is not born equal. The Kings should still be competitive in 2026. In all likelihood, this pick will fall in Charlotte’s lap.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings Updates
Finally, Washington is a good player. He’s also a role player that isn’t likely to expand his game any further. For a rebuilding team like the Hornets, moving him for a future first is sensible enough. Should the Kings move that first?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
It’s worth noting that Washington is having a down year from long range. Yet, that could be attributed to Rozier as well. LaMelo Ball has missed time with an injury, and Rozier isn’t exactly on his level as a playmaker.
Domantas Sabonis is closer, and so is De’Aaron Fox. A play finisher like Washington should thrive alongside those two dynamic passers. Washington can also man the 5 in small-ball lineups. That could be beneficial in the playoffs during matchups where Sabonis is getting exploited on the defensive end.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings Updates
That’s the main reason the Kings do this deal – defense. Washington is a versatile defender who can guard across positions, whereas Barnes is average (or less) on that end of the floor. Keep an eye on this deal as the deadline approaches.
