There have been many suggestions and rumors regarding restricted free agent P.J. Washington. The market has not been extremely active when it comes to his services. However, a recent article suggests that Washington may very well return to the Charlotte Hornets for this upcoming season.
Appearing in the portion of the P.J. Washington section of Landing Spots for NBA’s Top Free Agents Still Available from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus is an update that everyone has been waiting for. It has been quiet for Washington when evaluating his excursion into restricted free agency, and it appears that this saga could be coming to a close rather soon.
"“The Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers are among the teams that could theoretically pursue Washington. But the buzz has been light in NBA circles so far, as most sources expect Washington to take his qualifying offer.”"
That final sentence is the focus here. Sources expect a return to Charlotte for the restricted free agent. This would be of equal benefit to both parties. The Hornets would be able to have a talented player in Washington as they look to bounce back after a disastrous 2022-23 season. Washington would be able to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, setting him up for the payday that he was seeking under his current restricted status.
Should Washington finally sign the one-year qualifying offer for $8.5 million, it would put the finishing touches on the Hornets’ roster heading into the season. The expectation is that the Hornets will be better this season, and a potential return of Washington only increases the chances of that happening.
Washington is coming off a season where he scored a career-high 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. This is the type of production Charlotte needs if they are going to at least make the Play-In Tournament, if not qualify for the playoffs outright.
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