NBA Rumors: Hornets Targeting Spurs Big Man Poeltl

 

The Charlotte Hornets are going hard for a quality center at the trade deadline, and they have their eyes set on San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl. 

The Hornets have discussed sending PJ Washington, Kai Jones, and a "possible" first-round draft pick. That pick is the current sticking point, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. 

Poeltl has had a lot of interested suitors in the past few weeks, including the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and the Dallas Mavericks. It's possible that the Raptors' acquisition of Thad Young today takes them out of the mix, as they had to use a protected 1st round pick in that deal. 

The 26-year-old Poeltl has emerged as a prime center in the league this season, averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. 

The 23-year-old Washington has seen his minutes cut in Charlotte this season, but remains a promising young power forward in the right setting. 

As for Jones, Scotto reports that he was a strong consideration for the Spurs with their 12th pick in the 2021 draft, before they opted for Josh Primeau. Jones went 19th to the New York Knicks, before being sent to the Hornets. 

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