3 P.J. Washington trades to help lead the Hornets into the future
By Ben Handler
Mavericks Get:
PJ Washington (3yr/$46.5m), Ish Smith (1yr/$2m)
Hornets Get:
Richaun Holmes (2yr/$24.9m), Josh Green (4yr/$45.8m), Jaden Hardy (2yr/$3.7m), 2026 First-round pick
The Grant Williams experiment hasn’t exactly worked out for the Mavs, so they’re in the market for a stretch 4, much like Washington. P.J. could fit in great alongside playmaking scorers like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He’d provide some rim running, shooting, and a touch of self-creation, as well as a rangy defender.
He’d be a big upgrade over the likes of Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. and could allow the Mavs to play better offensive lineups. Washington could give them an exciting option for a small-ball lineup, and could also play the 4 next to Dereck Lively II.
Dallas is doing everything it can to put the best possible team around Luka, and they may be willing to pay up for a great young fit on a nice deal, like Washington.
The Hornets would get a really good young player in Josh Green, who would slide in perfectly at shooting guard between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Green can hit threes and provide some secondary playmaking while being a plus defender. At just 23, he could still take another leap, especially with increased opportunity in Charlotte.
Hardy has fallen out of favor a bit in Dallas, but he’s another promising young shooting guard who could pop with more playing time. Holmes would be a respectable veteran presence for the locker room and could provide good minutes at a position of dire need.
Adding another first-round pick would be a great cherry on top for this deal. The Mavs will likely still be a playoff team with Doncic next season, but the West is brutal and that could easily end up being a near-lottery pick; a great addition to a growing stash of picks for the Hornets.