Grade the Trade: Hornets Send P.J. Washington to Mavericks

Our staff provides analysis of the Hornets' decision to trade P.J. Washington.

The Charlotte Hornets have made another trade. Thursday afternoon, the team agreed to a deal that sends P.J. Washington and two second round picks to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and a 2027 "lightly protected" first round pick.

Here's how our staff graded the trade for the Hornets:

Desmond Johnson: A-

The key to this trade for the Hornets is the 2027 1st round pick. I do like Grant Williams, an undersized forward with playoff experience and Seth Curry gets to come home as a grizzled vet but I'm not sure if they are in the Hornets plan long term. If the Hornets are following the OKC model of stacking 1st round picks into the future this is a great trade. Washington gets to play for a contender that was eyeing him all along and the Hornets get a 1st in return.

Matt Alquiza: A

A good piece of business for Charlotte. The 2027 first is the headliner, but Williams is a solid role player on a good contract going forward. He’ll help the team immediately and be perfect trade fodder come summer time if he’s not in the teams long term plans. Non-basketball related, Charlotte is bringing home two local boys which always makes for a good story.

Ian Black: A+

This is a wonderful deal from both sides. Easily the best trade of the fire sale so far. The first is nice, and bringing two solid role players home is always a nice touch. Grant Williams specifically is on a very team-friendly deal and should be able to provide solid minutes for the Hornets as the team figures out its future.

James Plowright: B+ 

I look at this trade in two parts, players vs. picks. I think Grant Williams is a better fit for what Charlotte needs than PJ Washington. He brings defense, toughness, leadership and is a consistent floor spacer. The 2027 1st round pick is a good asset for a Dallas team who have struggled to play well in the regular season. Any team would prefer the upside of a 1st than two 2nds without knowing exactly where they will fall in the future.

Austin Leake: A-

Charlotte makes a move that gets them a first rounder and some solid depth with Curry and Williams. Overall it’s nice to get a pick that is lightly protected. I don’t believe Williams is a better player than PJ, but I do believe he fits better and has more toughness.

Jon Yeager: A-

Grant Williams toughness and leadership should be a welcome addition to this Hornets team. He will be an immediate contributor on the defensive end and provide some spot up floor spacing. Seth Curry will add much need shooting off the bench and another guy that can handle the ball to take some pressure off of Brandon Miller. The lightly protected first is the true prize here though as this team needs as many shots at selecting high end talents as they can get. Good trade for both teams.

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