NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Teams that should pursue S/T for PJ Washington

P.J. Washington (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
P.J. Washington (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat react during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat react during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Miami Heat

When it comes to the Miami Heat, they’re surely laser-focused on trying to complete a deal for Damian Lillard. And that should absolutely be their No. 1 goal until they manage to pull it off. If the Heat can complete a deal for Lillard quickly, perhaps a move for PJ Washington could make some sense as somewhat of a follow-up move. The Heat is likely still going to have a hole at the power forward position with or without Lillard.

I can’t imagine that the Heat will want to start Caleb Martin (if he’s even retained after the Lillard deal) full-time at the power forward position even though it did seem to work at times for the team this past season. And unless the Heat is willing to start Kevin Love at the 4, you’d almost have to imagine that they will at the very least explore what’s left of the free-agent market at the forward position.

After going all-in for Lillard, who knows if the Heat will have enough assets to work a sign-and-trade that would make sense for Charlotte. However, if they could figure out something that does work, Washington could be an intriguing option for them via trade.