The Los Angeles Clippers, amidst a remarkable winning streak of 16 victories in their last 19 outings, are not resting on their laurels. With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Clippers’ front office is reportedly eyeing Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington to bolster their squad. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Clippers have shown a keen interest in acquiring Washington despite grappling with “limited trade optionality.”
PJ Washington: A Coveted Piece
P.J. Washington has been a beacon of consistency for the struggling Hornets this season. With averages of 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and nearly two 3-pointers per game on a solid 45.2% shooting, Washington’s all-around game has caught the eye of several teams, including the Clippers.
His potential addition to the Clippers could provide a significant boost, slotting in as a versatile two-way forward alongside Ivica Zubac. This move could potentially solidify a formidable starting five featuring the Clippers’ Big 3: James Harden, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.
However, the Hornets, languishing at 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-38 record, are in the midst of a rebuild. This scenario presents a complex decision matrix regarding Washington’s future with the team as they weigh the benefits of his immediate productivity against the allure of acquiring assets for long-term success.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ Trade Deal Conundrum
The Los Angeles Clippers face a challenging path to secure Washington. Their arsenal of trade assets is notably thin, following a series of moves that bolstered their veteran core but depleted their draft capital. With no first-round picks until 2030 and just two second-round picks in 2024 at their disposal, the Clippers are in a tight spot.
The notion of parting with their 2030 first-rounder seems off the table unless a significantly enticing offer comes their way, leaving them to ponder alternative strategies to match Washington’s $16.8 million salary.
Harden for 3… COUNT IT 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/lsunM8cIvC
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 5, 2024
Norman Powell’s $18 million contract could theoretically make the numbers work, but his value as an off-the-bench scorer makes him a less likely trade deal piece. The spotlight then shifts to P.J. Tucker and Mason Plumlee, both of whom could serve as financial and strategic components in a deal for Washington. Tucker, seeking a new team, and Plumlee, potentially expendable given LA’s depth at center, emerge as viable candidates for a trade package.
A hypothetical trade scenario could see Tucker, Plumlee, and a pair of second-round picks heading to Charlotte. The Clippers might also consider including reserves like Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown, or Bones Hyland to sweeten the deal. However, the feasibility of such a trade rests heavily on the Hornets’ willingness to engage and the Los Angeles Clippers’ determination to enhance their championship aspirations without jeopardizing their core dynamics.
Looking Ahead: The Los Angeles Clippers’ Tightrope Walk
As the deadline nears, the Los Angeles Clippers find themselves walking a tightrope. Their ambition to augment their roster with a talent like Washington is clear, yet their limited trade flexibility poses a significant hurdle. Whether they can navigate this complex landscape without sacrificing too much of their present or future remains a pivotal question.
The Clippers’ pursuit of P.J. Washington epitomizes the intricate dance of NBA trades, where ambition, strategy, and constraint collide. As they aim to position themselves as contenders, the outcome of this pursuit could very well define their trajectory for the remainder of the season and beyond.
