The 2021-22 NBA season has been an up-and-down ride for the Charlotte Hornets, but no matter the outcome, they have to be happy with what they have found this year.
LaMelo Ball has not only become the leader of this team by making his first All-Star appearance, but Miles Bridges has also emerged as a leader for this team. Having Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward as well, the Hornets have had a really successful season given the struggles they have faced as a franchise the last several years.
While they will most likely end up in the play-in tournament this season, potentially not even making the playoffs, the Hornets can learn a lot from the success they found over the course of the season.
Expectations for this franchise entering the 2022-23 season will be to make the playoffs in a crowded Eastern Conference, which is why the Hornets could wind up being more aggressive this upcoming offseason than they usually are in the offseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood, PJ Washington Among Heat Trade Targets
Figuring out how to keep Miles Bridges long-term is the number one priority for this franchise, as Bridges will be a restricted free agent following the conclusion of this season, but they will also have to address the long-term future of P.J. Washington.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Washington will be eligible for a contract extension in the offseason and Charlotte is likely to wait on committing to the young forward long-term.
P.J. Washington has not played badly in Charlotte, but he has yet to cement himself as a key part of their core and there have been teams inquiring about him in trade talks since last offseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Christian Wood, PJ Washington Among Heat Trade Targets
Should teams continue inquiring about P.J. Washington as he heads into the final year of his contract, the Hornets could be inclined to trade the 23-year-old power-forward, especially if they can get some “win-now” pieces in return to help them make the playoffs.
Right now, the Hornets have not shown a willingness to part ways with P.J. Washington this upcoming offseason, but here are three teams that could be eyeing him as a potential offseason addition.
