Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington is still a restricted free agent, and according to NBA insider Marc Stein, things are quiet in terms of his free agency.
Stein wonders if Washington will be forced to play on the Hornets’ qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency next summer. The Hornets extended a $8.5 million qualifying offer to Washington.
The 24-year-old Washington appeared in 73 games for the Hornets last season. He averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc and 73.0% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets drafted Washington with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Kentucky. The forward has career averages of 12.9 points, 5.5 boards and 2.3 assists in 260 NBA games.
Charlotte won only 27 games last season. The franchise drafted Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Alabama. LaMelo Ball also signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $260 million. The Hornets are building around Miller and Ball.
Michael Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for an approximate $3 billion valuation. Jordan, though, will continue to oversee basketball operations this summer and keep a minority stake and maintain a presence with the franchise.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington & Charlotte Hornets Updates
It will be interesting to see how many games the Hornets win next season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016. As for Washington, he may have to play on a one-year deal with Charlotte unless a surprise teams signs him to an offer sheet.
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