It’s trade deadline week in the NBA. In a few short days, we’ll see several moves that change the league’s landscape. This year, we’re starting to see some moves a bit early.
The New York Knicks already made one big move. They acquired O.G. Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. In return, they sent the Raptors RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Interestingly, they didn’t send much draft capital to the Raptors.
That means that the Knicks are still in a position to make another move. This is a potential buyer to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches. Could they acquire P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F/C P.J. Washington
The Hornets already made a big move in their own right. They sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. In exchange, they received little more than draft capital. Did the Hornets signal their intentions?
In all likelihood, yes. The Hornets should be sellers at the deadline. In a vacuum, that makes sense. The Hornets are one of the worst teams in the NBA for the second consecutive season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks Updates
In practice, something has to change here. The Hornets need to find a way to make some progress. Trading Rozier made sense, but in time, the Hornets need to find a way to win. Does this deal help?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Not immediately. Make no mistake – this deal will make the Hornets worse. Washington is easily the best player in this deal.
On the other hand – how much worse could the Hornets get? Washington is a valuable role player. He’s not enough to get the Hornets over the hump. This team would do well to move his contract for some expiring money to retool this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks Updates
That’s what they’re doing here. The Hornets are also picking up a lottery-protected first that’s sure to convey. If they can take two steps forward after this step backward, they’ll be glad to have made this deal. Should the Knicks make it?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
This has been a successful year for the Knicks. With that said, everything hasn’t gone according to plan. Mitchell Robinson suffered a significant injury throughout the season.
Washington isn’t a direct replacement. Still, his ability to play the 5 in small-ball lineups will be useful to the Knicks. That’s part of the appeal of Washington – he’s a portable player who can fit into any roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, New York Knicks Updates
His ability to guard across positions should appeal to a Knicks team with a defensive identity. For the Knicks, this is a win-now upgrade in a season when they’re a dark horse contender. Keep an eye on this one before the deadline passes.
