Hornets acquired Gordon Hayward 3 years ago, yet still aren't close to contending and could be looking to retool their current rebuild. Hayward isn't the target in this deal, but PJ Washington seems to be in a weird spot with Hornets and could be a young player that checks a lot of boxes as a long term frontcourt partner next to Bam for the Heat (7'2 Wingspan, 36.5% Career 3PT%, switchable, former Kentucky Wildcat). The Hornets could obviously still re-sign PJ but they didn't get particularly close during his extension talks before the deadline passed, and now it sounds like Miles Bridges may be making a return to the Hornets sometime in the future which could mean less minutes for PJ. And while he's putting solid production for a starter, his numbers haven't changed much over his first 4 years, and it's possible a change of scenery could be what gets PJ to take that next step in his game as he's still only 24.

But the Heat also add Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels and Kai Jones in this one. The next area of concern for the Heat after the 4, is the backup 5 and the Heat can get solid Rim Protection, Rebounding and Playmaking from Mason Plumlee as he's a UFA after this season and may not be likely to re-sign in Charlotte. The Hornets haven't seen much production from Kai Jones since drafting him 19th overall 2 years ago and could be looking to move on as they still have Richards/M. Williams/Thor/Dedmon/Yurt/Bridges? after this deal. Miami clearly has a hole for bigs right now and gets a long former lottery pick they get to throw into the development system. Jalen McDaniels would also be a big get for Miami in this deal as he could become a premier 3&D wing in this league with some playmaking to his game and the Heat would be a great environment for him to hone his skillset.

The Hornets are 29th in 3pt% and Lamelo could probably do some serious damage with a true shooter on the floor, which is why I think The Hornets would at least be open to acquiring Duncan. With them giving up Plumlee we send back Dedmon to be their backup 5/vet for the younger bigs at possibly a lower price than what Plumlee would re-sign for. We also send Yurt who could replace Kai Jones as their 'project Big' or possibly even end up a rotation player for them, especially if he can combine his rebounding with a consistent jumper.

I don't think the Hornets would value Plumlee or Jones too highly, but PJ and McDaniels are 24 yo already putting up solid production so I imagine it may cost 2 1sts for them to consider pulling the trigger as Duncan/Dedmon/Yurt still isn't that spectacular even though they may fit the roster. And this deal would be done with the assumption Miami intends to extend at least PJ and Jalen, though I admit I have no idea what McDaniels will be worth on the market. But if it's an issue this deal could be done without McDaniels and the Heat still fill 2 huge needs.

Any interest in PJ? Do we think Charlotte asks for more?