NBA Trade Rumors: Mavs Pivot from Wizards' Kyle Kuzma to Hornets' P.J. Washington

Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington has become the Dallas Mavericks' primary target ahead of Thursday's 3 p.m. ET NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski reported at the 7:05 mark in the newest episode of The Woj Pod that the Mavs "kept pecking away" at Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, but "that's not gonna happen." As a result, Dallas is "pivoting" toward Washington.

The Hornets and Mavericks reportedly discussed a swap already and were expected to resume conversations.

When it comes to Kuzma, the Wizards don't have a pressing need to deal him despite being one of the worst teams in the league. He's in the first season of the four-year, $90 million contract, so this is a topic the front office can return to down the road.

NBA insider Marc Stein also reported "Kuzma's apparent desire to stay put is believed to be one of the key factors" behind the growing idea he'll stay in the nation's capital.

Washington would be a slight downgrade from Kuzma, who has averaged 19.9 points and 3.8 assists per game since his trade to the Wizards. But the 25-year-old would be a good fit in Dallas thanks to his ability to space the floor and suitability in playing off the ball.

While Washington is shooting a career-worst 32.4 percent from three-point range, his shooting would likely improve if he were sharing the court with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

As with Kuzma, though, Charlotte is well positioned to put a relatively high price tag on Washington. He's under contract for two more seasons after having signed a three-year, $46.5 million deal.