Grade the trade: Hornets ditch PJ Washington for star guard in mock trade

Would the Portland Trail Blazers want P.J. Washington from the Hornets?

Anfernee Simons has been the Portland Trail Blazers’ main trade chip since their season reached its conclusion. With Scoot Henderson in the fold, Simons’ position on Portland’s roster is certainly in question. Damian Lillard has been vocal regarding his status with the team and what he expects from the Trail Blazers moving forward. Perhaps a deal for P.J. Washington could make sense.

The downside for Portland is that Washington isn’t a star name and will likely do little to placate Lillard in his never-ending search for postseason success. On the other hand, though, Washington is a reliable forward who can provide floor spacing, rebounding, and interior offense.

Having a balanced roster is a core aspect of sustained success. Flipping Simons for Washington would bring some additional balance to Portland’s current roster construction while also giving Lillard another pick-and-roll partner to ensure a varied offensive approach.

Washington isn’t the star-level talent Portland could have secured before the draft, but he’s a reliable rotation piece who will continue to grow into his role as a starter and wouldn’t break the bank in terms of a new contract. Portland may take some convincing, but a potential Simons swap for Washington isn’t the most unlikely scenario.

However, there is a downside to this move, as any team who acquires a player via sign-and-trade instantly becomes hard-capped for the season, which could limit the Trail Blazers’ ability to continue constructing a roster they feel can contend this season – if that’s the route they’re looking to go down.