Restricted free agent forward PJ Washington has agreed to a new three-year, $48 million contract to stay with the Charlotte Hornets, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Washington was the NBA’s final unsigned restricted free agent.
The 25-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.
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 games.
“Washington averaged career highs in points (15.7) and 3-pointers (2.0) per game last season,” Woj wrote. “He was the first Hornets player in history to average two 3-pointers and a block per game in a season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Washington, the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft out of Kentucky, started 73 games for the Hornets last season.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington & Charlotte Hornets Updates
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 maintain a presence with the franchise.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: PJ Washington & Charlotte Hornets Updates
It will be fascinating to see how many games the Hornets win next season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2016.
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