Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 NBA Draft trades with the Charlotte Hornets

3 of 4

PJ Washington of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Trade No. 2: Timberwolves acquire PJ Washington from the Hornets

This pick sends Charlotte’s pick from last year to Minnesota.

PJ Washington had a strong rookie season for the Hornets, averaging 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on 37.4 percent from three. An athletic stretch-4, Washington would be a great fit for Minnesota, creating a flexible fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the front court.

For the Wolves, this trade also moves two pieces from the D’Angelo Russell trade, Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman, that haven’t really been utilized by the team.

For Charlotte, this trade sacrifices an investment they made last year in the draft that, by most accounts, paid off. As a rookie, Washington made an immediate impact as a starter, and is a slightly different prospect than Bridges.

Similar to the first trade proposed in this article, the Wolves may demand an additional player on top of Washington, but Washington’s style would likely be a better fit for Minnesota than Bridges. Washington is a much better shooter and Bridges relies more on the midrange game, which Ryan Saunders has de-emphasized in his time in Minnesota (just ask Andrew Wiggins).

Since Washington is a better fit for Minnesota than Bridges, Charlotte may not have to give up as much to move up in the draft if they offer PJ Washington.