The Detroit Pistons have fallen on some hard times. They’re the worst team in the NBA for the second consecutive season. For one reason or another, the Pistons can’t seem to get it together.
How should they respond? Different people will give you different answers. Most would suggest that the Pistons need to be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. Yet, rumors have suggested that they’d like to be buyers. It seems that the Pistons may be desperate to start winning some games.
Could there be a compromise? The Pistons could target a player who could help them win some games. Still, it would be optimal if that player was younger. How about P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Joe Harris, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C P.J. Washington, G/F Frank Ntilikina
The Hornets are having some hard times in their own right. That said, they won’t be able to conceal their intentions as the deadline approaches. The Hornets have already begun making moves.
They sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. The Hornets will be sellers. It wouldn’t make sense for them to trade a quality veteran now, only to turn around and acquire another one a couple of weeks later.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons Updates
What do the Hornets need? Well, above all else, they need LaMelo Ball to stay healthy. If that happens, this team’s future is bright. Does this deal make it brighter?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It never hurts to pick up an asset. Washington is a good player. Perhaps the Hornets would prefer for him to be part of their future. At the same time, they could prioritize stockpiling assets.
After all, the future of this team is in the hands of Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets have their two stars. Role players like Washington are considerably easier to find. This season is lost for Charlotte – why not flip him for an asset?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons Updates
The Hornets are also cleaning up their cap sheet with this deal. Washington is on a long-term contract, and Harris is on an expiring deal. Should the Pistons take on Washington’s money?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
It’s fair to say that Washington is fairly compensated. This isn’t an albatross contract. The Pistons aren’t destroying their cap sheet by making this deal.
Meanwhile, Washington could be the perfect piece for this team. The Pistons suffer from a lack of floor spacing. Washington is a player who can man the 5 in small ball units. That will help the Pistons space the floor for Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons Updates
Still, one could make the case that the Pistons shouldn’t be giving up assets. Fair. On the other hand, this team could be feeling desperate to improve. The Pistons need to stave off potential trade requests from their young stars. By adding Washington, they could make these toes slightly less tough.
