This big-time trade benefits both the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers

A trade for a starting power forward

PJ Washington is the best power forward the Hornets have. And if traded to the Pacers, he would be the best power forward the Pacers have. So what might the Hornets want in return? Prior to the season PJ Washington turned down an extension offer, the Hornets might be worried he will walk for nothing. As such, the price might have come down a bit. Perhaps the following might work:

The Pacers would trade away a key role player who is having a down year and not getting enough minutes to develop in a heavily crowded shooting guard room, in return for a power forward that they desperately need. In addition, because Duarte has 3 years and Washington only 1 year left, the Pacers receive a first-round draft pick for the risk of Washington walking. Because it is Denver’s, it won’t be particularly high, but it would be the fourth first round pick the Pacers would have next year.