Dallas continues to improve their frontcourt for the final weeks of the 2023-24 season.
According to various reports, the Mavericks are completing a deal to acquire Hornets forward P.J. Washington in exchange for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a first-round draft selection. Aside from this transaction, the Mavericks are seeking to complete a deal for Wizards center Daniel Gafford.
Mavericks acquire: P. J. Washington
Hornets acquire: Grant Williams & Seth Curry
2027 first-round selection
What this transaction implies for the Mavericks: Dallas (28-23) is eighth in the Western Conference playoff standings, but it is only two games behind the Phoenix Suns (30-21) and New Orleans Pelicans (30-21) for the fifth and sixth seeds, respectively.
The Mavs’ play around the basket, particularly in rebounding and defense, has been a stumbling block in their quest for success. Dallas ranks 25th in rebounds per game (41.5) and 28th in paint defense, allowing 45.6 points.
By adding Washington (along with Gafford), the Mavs hope to solve those concerns. Washington is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season, shooting 44.6% overall and 32.4% from three. He should fit into Dallas’ rotation and contribute scoring and rebounding in the paint, as well as some defense.
The frontcourt addition comes as star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are back healthy and playing together for the Mavericks, who are looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last year.
What trade means for the Hornets: Charlotte has been one of the busiest teams in trades this season, which is not surprising given their 10-40 record. Earlier on trade deadline day, the Hornets agreed to trade veteran Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder, only weeks after trading guard Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat.
Williams was a big addition for the Mavericks last summer, and he’s off to a fast start this season in Dallas. However, his output has dropped despite recording stats (8.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.7 apg) comparable to what he had with the Boston Celtics in 2022-23.
The veteran Curry returns to his home state to play for the organization where his father, Dell, flourished in the 1990s. This season, he averages 4.3 points and 1.4 rebounds while hitting 36.2% from three.
Curry and Williams are both coming home, having played high school basketball in Charlotte.
