Grade the Trade: Cavaliers add P.J. Washington in bold new pitch

The doldrums of the NBA offseason have arrived, but that doesn’t mean things are quiet. While the flurry of transactions from early July have made way to a staying pattern as the league waits for a resolution on the Damian Lillard and James Harden situations, the conversations haven’t simply died off.

Instead, the discourse shifts to the players still available in free agency. Christian Wood is a prolific scorer and floor-spacer at center. Kelly Oubre Jr. averaged 20 points per game last season and can play reasonable defense. Will Barton was a playoff starter just two seasons ago. Kendrick Nunn is a solid bounceback candidate.

P.J. Washington is still on the market

The biggest name still available, however, is P.J. Washington, the league’s last true restricted free agent who remains locked in negotiations with the Charlotte Hornets. He wants $20 million per season; the Hornets want to preserve future flexibility.

That’s likely why he’s being discussed as a potential sign-and-trade candidate by fans of the Cavaliers. We broke down earlier this week what the finances of such a deal would be, but let’s take it a step further today. What would a sign-and-trade for Washington look like? And should the Cavs make the deal if offered?

Let’s dive in and take a closer look.