A team in the Eastern Conference has expressed interest in Charlotte Hornets’ restricted free agent P.J. Washington. That team? The Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs have shown interest in acquiring Washington from the Hornets.
"“Sources say even though Cleveland has expressed interest in acquiring Washington, and there’s a belief it is lurking, there haven’t been any extensive, detailed or meaningful trade discussions with Charlotte at this point.”"
Even though talks of note have not taken place between the two sides, this does provide a potential link between Washington and somewhere besides Charlotte. It has been a fairly quiet restricted free-agent excursion for Washington. So hearing that there is a team that has expressed genuine interest in his services is quite noteworthy.
Fedor noted that while Jarrett Allen is, in his eyes, “an obvious fit” for Charlotte, he is unlikely to be included in a deal. The Cavaliers have turned down teams who have approached them about the availability of Allen. With that in mind, a couple of bench players and draft picks are named as hypothetical options coming to Charlotte.
"“If Washington would be willing to take less money — a contract in the same range as Markkanen’s $15-million-per-year number in 2021 — the salaries of Dean Wade and Rubio would theoretically work financially. Toss in some second-round picks as sweeteners and there’s an alternate trade framework. But would it satisfy Charlotte?”"
It is that last sentence that garners a lot of attention here. Is the combination of Dean Wade, Ricky Rubio, and multiple second-round picks enough to get Washington from Charlotte? That depends on what the motivation for the Hornets is this upcoming season. If the goal is to at least advance through the Play-In Tournament into the actual NBA Playoffs, acquiring two players who could improve their bench unit would be helpful. But if the goal is mainly evaluating internal talent, this trade would not help advance them in that regard.
It comes down to if Washington is willing to return on his qualifying offer and become a free agent after the season or if he is adamant about playing for a different organization. The longer this saga has gone on, it does not appear returning to the Hornets is considered among his preferred options.
3 most important Charlotte Hornets for the 2023-24 season
If the Charlotte Hornets are going to bounce back and be successful this season, they will need major contributions from these three players.