Why the OKC Thunder Should Consider Trading for PJ Washington
On Thursday, the NBA trade deadline will pass, marking the end of imminent trade rumors and discussions until the offseason.
Ahead of the deadline, many Oklahoma City Thunder observers have speculated whether or not OKC will elect to make a move this season.
As Mark Daigneault's team exceeds expectations with a 35-15 record heading into their Feb. 6 matchup against the Utah Jazz, some believe that Sam Presti and company should make a trade to give the team a better chance to compete in the playoffs.
With three first-round picks in the 2024 NBA draft and a stockpile of future assets, the Thunder should be able to acquire a solid piece if they feel that there is a player available who can help the team this season and going forward.
One player who is rumored to be available and should be at the top of Presti's list is PJ Washington.
A fifth-year player out of Kentucky, Washington is listed at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds. This season, the 25-year-old is averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.2% from the floor and 33.1% from beyond the arc.
Washington is a good offensive player who could theoretically play next to Chet Holmgren or come off of the bench as a secondary scoring option for the Thunder. In addition to his scoring, Washington is a solid rebounder and shooter who would be able to contribute in multiple areas that could help OKC.
Despite shooting 33.1% from 3-point range this season, Washington is on a lackluster team and would have much better spacing in the Modern Frontier. Additionally, Washington has shot nearly 35% from deep each of his previous four years in the NBA.
Late last season, the former 5-star recruit tallied 43 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal in a game against the Thunder at the Paycom Center. Washington went 5-of-9 from 3-point range and helped the Hornets take down Oklahoma City.
While the Charlotte forward does seem like he would be a great addition for OKC, the Hornets may not be willing to trade Washington because he is such a talented player who could help LaMelo Ball and company in their rebuild.
If Charlotte is willing to trade Washington, there is also a chance that Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak set the asking price too high for what Presti and the Thunder are willing to offer, especially without seeing how the current iteration of the team fares in the NBA playoffs.
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