Should The Miami Heat Join The P.J. Washington Sweepstakes?

Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington is involved in trade rumors ahead of Thursday's deadline

The Miami Heat are in dire need of an additional frontcourt piece to complement three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo.

Charlotte Hornets big man P.J. Washington is having one of his best seasons, but the Heat are surrounded by competition to acquire him at Thursday's trade deadline. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.3 rebounds on 45.2 percent shooting in 43 games.

"PJ Washington is another Hornets forward who’s commanding inquiries from rival teams, with Dallas [Mavericks] among the interested suitors, sources said. Over this past weekend, the [Los Angeles] Clippers’ purported pursuit of Washington became noted across the league. But according to various league personnel involved in these talks, Los Angeles has not had a meaningful conversation with Charlotte in quite some time about Washington. One source went so far as to describe that Clippers-Washington connection as “bad info," Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer wrote. "The [New York] Knicks have shown legitimate interest in Washington, sources said, as they examine their options."

Washington can act as a spark plug off the bench for the Heat as well as fill a starting role in times of injury. The Heat and Hornets have conducted business this season with the acquisition of Terry Rozier, meaning there is a relationship formed between the front offices.

The Mavericks are by no means a powerhouse in the Western Conference, as they are the No. 8 seed. However, the addition of Washington alongside guards Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic could increase their championship aspirations.

The Clippers are one of the hottest teams in the league with a 34-15 record. The Hornets forward could assist them as a prominent rotational piece behind superstar forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

Meanwhile, the Knicks stand as a top seed in the East. The addition of forward OG Anunoby increased their success by a wide margin. Washington could provide them with an extra scorer who can explode on any given night.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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