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0 The NBA off-season is always an exciting time for basketball fans, with teams looking to improve their rosters through trades and free agency. In a recent trade, the Dallas Mavericks acquired P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for two players, Grant Williams and Seth Curry, as well as a future first-round draft pick. The trade was finalized on February 9, 2024, at 4:18 PM, and was reported by NBA.com News Services.
Washington has been a solid scorer for the Hornets this season and is expected to provide much-needed scoring and rebounding for the Mavericks in the frontcourt. With a current record of 28-23, Dallas is currently ranked eighth in the Western Conference playoff chase, but is just two games behind the fifth and sixth seeds, held by the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans, respectively.
One of the issues that has held the Mavericks back this season has been their play around the basket, particularly in rebounding and defense. The team is currently ranked 25th in rebounds per game, with an average of 41.5, and allows 45.6 points in the paint, which ranks 28th. By adding Washington to their roster, along with Wizards center Daniel Gafford, the Mavericks hope to address these issues and improve their chances of making the playoffs.
Washington has been averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season, shooting 44.6% overall and 32.4% on 3-pointers. He is expected to play a regular role in Dallas’ rotation and provide scoring and rebounding in the paint, as well as some much-needed defense.
The addition of Washington to the Mavericks’ roster comes at a crucial time, with star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving healthy and playing together again. The team is hoping to get back to the playoffs after missing out last year.
For the Hornets, this trade is one of many this season, as the team looks to rebuild and improve its roster. Earlier in the day, the Hornets agreed to trade veteran Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder, following a previous trade that saw guard Terry Rozier moved to the Miami Heat.
Williams was a marquee addition for the Mavericks last summer and got off to a strong start this season. However, his production has decreased, despite posting similar stats to those he amassed with the Boston Celtics in 2022-23. Curry, a veteran player, will return to his home state and suit up for the franchise his father, Dell, starred for in the 1990s. He is currently averaging 4.3 points per game and 1.4 rebounds per game while shooting 36.2% on 3-pointers.
Overall, this trade is expected to benefit both teams, with the Mavericks adding much-needed frontcourt depth and the Hornets receiving valuable assets in exchange for Washington.
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