Some NBA teams have glaring needs. As a result, they’ll be linked to a certain type of player all year. If a team needs a 4, everybody knows it.
The Indiana Pacers need a 4. Jarace Walker doesn’t look ready. Obi Toppin looks like a solid reserve. Still, this team doesn’t have a reliable starter to lean on at that position.
Perhaps that’s why they’ve been linked to stars at the position. With that said, the Pacers would have to break the bank to land a star like Pascal Siakam.
They could make a more modest acquisition.
How about PJ Washington of the Charlotte Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Charlotte Hornets’ PJ Washington
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G TJ McConnell, F Obi Toppin, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C PJ Washington
Teams make decisions based on their needs. In the draft, that can be controversial. Fans may want their team to select the best player available.
Fair. On the other hand, fans don’t necessarily know who the best player available is. Look at the Hornets. When they picked Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft, most thought they were prioritizing team needs over talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers Updates
So far, Miller has looked like the right pick. It’s extremely early in each man’s career, but Miller certainly fits the Hornets’ needs more.
Do they need to trade Washington now?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
It’s been a challenging season for the Hornets. This has become a trend. The Hornets are near the bottom of the NBA standings – again.
When they extended Washington this summer, this surely isn’t what they had in mind. Washington is a utility player. He’s supposed to raise a team’s ceiling. As it turns out, Charlotte’s floor was too low for him to matter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers Updates
So, they might as well flip him. Toppin is a reasonable replacement – albeit, he’s a downgrade. That’s why Charlotte is also grabbing a protected first-rounder here.
Should the Pacers give up assets for Washington?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
On the other hand, it’s been an encouraging season for the Pacers. This team has the best Offensive Rating in NBA history. Still, a porous defense is keeping the Pacers from joining the ranks of true contenders.
So, any player they acquire should be a solid defender. At the same time, they don’t want to compromise their offensive identity. Washington checks both boxes. He’s a solid, versatile defender. Meanwhile, his floor spacing should improve Indiana’s offense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers Updates
They shouldn’t mind paying this price for such a useful player. The Pacers are in win-now mode – they can spare a protected pick. It’s a cost worth paying for a player they need this badly.
