Via a Jonathan Givony report, the Cleveland cavaliers are targeting free agents P.J. Washington and Kelly Oubre Jr, whilst they are 'actively exploring the market' for Jarret Allen, after his playoff catastrophe. The Hornets are also reportedly 'open' to a P.J. Washington sign and trade. My proposed deal ticks all these boxes and more- here's my idea.
Hornets Receive:
Jarret Allen
Isaac Okoro
Cavaliers Receive:
P.J. Washington
Kelly Oubre Jr.
2026 1st Round Pick (Top 8 Protected)
So, with this trade in mind, here is what the rotations for each team would potentially look like;
Hornets:
PG: Lamelo Ball, Nick Smith Jr, James Bouknight, SG: Terry Rozier, Isaac Okoro, Bryce McGowens SF: Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Amari Bailey PF: Jarret Allen, Gordan Hayward, Kai Jones C: Mark Williams, Nick Richards, James Nnaji
Cavaliers:
PG: Darius Garland, Ricky Rubio, Craig Porter SG: Donovan Mitchell, Caris Levert, Emoni Bates SF: Kelly Oubre Jr, Max Strus, Ty Jerome PF: P.J. Washington, Georges Niang, Dean Wade C: Evan Mobley, Damian Jones, Isiah Mobley
For the Hornets, they get a dominant low post tandem in Jarret Allen and Mark Williams, which I understand won't work in a playoff series; but who cares? Right now, the Hornets number 1 priority needs to be making the playoffs. Once we are actually there, then we think about what works and what doesn't.
On top of that, we get a great perimeter defender in Isaac Okoro, who get very well be the replacement at shooting guard if Terry Rozier gets traded at the deadline, which seems likely.
For the Cavaliers, they get their solution at the small forward spot they have long been searching for in Kelly Oubre, who can add much-needed spacing, and provide an elite third scoring option.
As well as the small forward of their dreams, the Cavaliers finally get the 3&D power forward they have needed all season long, especially in the playoffs. With P.J. at the 4, Evan Mobley can slide down to the 5, meaning teams can no longer use the lack of spacing from the Cavaliers bigs against them, creating better opportunities for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Whilst I don't want to lose P.J. or Kelly, this deal is significantly better then simply letting them walk, and it sets us up with one of the most promising young cores in the league.
Comments