As we get closer to the start of NBA free agency, Charlotte Hornets fans will be waiting to see what happens with P.J. Washington. The 2019 lottery pick will be entering restricted free agency for the first time in his career and will likely have multiple suitors from around the NBA.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, the addition of Brandon Miller on draft night could spell the end of Washington’s time with the Hornets. However, O’Connor did note how a potential sign-and-trade could ensure Mitch Kupchak doesn’t see one of Charlotte’s best trade assets leave for nothing.
"“What about Simons to the Hornets in a sign-and-trade for P.J. Washington (who plays essentially the same position as incoming no. 2 pick Brandon Miller)?” O’Connor wrote."
Should the Hornets decide to move on from P.J. Washington, who impressed during his first full season as a starter in their rotation, Anfernee Simons could be an ideal candidate to target. Last season, Simons played in 62 regular-season games, averaging 21.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field and 37.7% from deep.
The question is, would both teams be willing to make the trade? Let’s take a look.
Would the Charlotte Hornets swap P.J. Washington for Anfernee Simons?
Regardless of whether the Hornets decide to bring back Miles Bridges, the front office would be wise to look at potential long-term solutions for their shooting guard position. After missing an entire year of basketball and having some serious pushback from large sections of the fanbase, Bridges’ tenure with the Hornets could be entering its final stages (if it’s not already over).
Having spent his first five seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons is well-versed in playing alongside a ball-dominant point guard and understands how to provide secondary offense and playmaking.
Simons also fits the Hornets’ current timeline. At 24 years old, the 2021 NBA Dunk Champion is still in the infancy of his career and will continue to improve his game for the foreseeable future. For a Hornets team that is likely to be rebuilding around LaMelo Ball and Miller, Simons could be the ideal third piece to the puzzle.
With Miller now in the fold and Washington already a potential flight risk, flipping him in a deal to land Simons would be a wise move by Kupchak and the Hornets’ front office. For Charlotte, this potential move makes sense on multiple levels.
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.
Grading the trade for both the Hornets and Trail Blazers
A potential sign-and-trade for the Hornets makes perfect sense. The deal would eliminate the risk of losing Washington for nothing and would also ensure Charlotte’s hand isn’t forced into overpaying for his services moving forward.
Portland may have some reservations, though, most notably due to the cap constraints that would come as part of a sign-and-trade. However, there will also be some motivations to find a willing trade partner for Simons during the off-season, and the Hornets would likely be receptive to such a notion.
When looking at this deal holistically, both sides could talk themselves into what they would be receiving as part of the deal – even if the Hornets had to part with a draft pick or two to get it over the line.
Grade for the Hornets: B+
Grade for the Trail Blazers: C+
Chances of happening: C