According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in trading for Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington.
The Hornets are sellers since they have the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference at 10-37. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams are the only players on the roster who are untouchable in trade talks, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
Washington is averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks this season while shooting 44.9% from the field, 33.8% from beyond the arc and 74.1% from the free-throw line. He’s making $16.8 million.
The Clippers already made one trade this season, acquiring 10-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. LAC is 32-15. They are in third place in the Western Conference standings.
With Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook leading the way, the Clippers look like legitimate title contenders.
Washington, 25, has career averages of 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Kentucky. Washington signed a three-year, $46.5 million contract with the Hornets in August 2023.
The NBA trade deadline is on February 8. The Clippers don’t have to make a trade since they are already one of the best teams in the league. It will be fascinating to see if LAC finds a way to acquire Washington from Charlotte.
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