Nearly two months into NBA free agency, the Charlotte Hornets and restricted forward P.J. Washington’s stalemate has finally ended. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Washington agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal to stay with the Hornets on Saturday.
Restricted free agent F PJ Washington has agreed on a new three-year, $48 million contract to stay with the Charlotte Hornets, @LiftSportsMngmt agent Kevin Bradbury and Washington Sports Group’s Paul Washington Sr. tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/tNoEfhPkeZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2023
NBA Rumors: What Next for Hornets After Re-Signing P.J. Washington
Washington is the last restricted free agent on a standard contract to come to terms. There was concern that he and the Hornets wouldn’t be able to reach a long-term agreement. Washington, whose qualifying offer was worth $8.5 million, was reportedly seeking between $18 to $20 million a season. So, an average of $16 million a year isn’t a bad compromise.
Washington is an integral part of Charlotte’s young core that includes LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams, and Brandon Miller. Washington is a top-20 power forward in the league, as he plays on both ends of the floor. While not a great finisher around the basket, he is a capable mid-range shooter and can extend defenses past the three-point line. Rebounding is a weakness, though Washington is a decent passer and rim-protector.
Washington is coming off a career year, producing career-bests with 15.7 points and 2.0 three-pointers a game. He added 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists with a shooting slash line of 44/35/73.
It will be interesting to see whether Steve Clifford keeps Washington in the starting lineup, like last year when he was the team’s most consistent player, or have him come off the bench as in 2021-22.
Hornets Training Camp Roster
With the inclusion of Washington, Charlotte has 16 players on standard contracts. JT Thor and Kobi Simmons are on nonguaranteed contracts, while Frank Ntilikina has a small guarantee. So, the Hornets have upcoming decisions to make.
Ntilikina, whom the Hornets gave a $200,000 signing bonus, suffered a hamstring injury with France’s national team on August 17. The severity of it is unknown. But the damage could cost the 25-year-old a roster spot if it lingers or prevents him from participating in training camp.
It is easy to assume that Thor, Simmons, and Ntilikina will compete for the Hornets’ final two roster spots. However, James Bouknight and Bryce McGowens’ spots on the roster could be in jeopardy if they struggle during training camp.
Washington also gives the Hornets 22 players committed to their training camp roster. Leaky Black and Amari Bailey are on two-way contracts, meaning the Hornets still have an open two-way spot. The Hornets are likely holding the final spot for Theo Maledon, as they made him a qualifying offer before free agency.
Prior to Washington’s commitment, the Hornets were reportedly going to bring in Angelo Allegri, Tre Scott, Nathan Mensah, and R.J. Hunter on training camp deals. Most likely, all four players had Exhibit 10 contracts, meaning the Hornets would own their G League rights if waived. If that is the case, they can waive one of them and send him to the Greensboro Swarm as an affiliate player before camp. 2023 second-round pick James Nnaji remains unsigned, though there is a good chance he stays in Europe as a draft and stash prospect.
Rotation
There is so much unknown surrounding Charlotte. Here is what is known. Ball and Terry Rozier will start in the backcourt for the Hornets. Gordon Hayward, Miller, and Washington could be in consideration to start at either forward spot. Meanwhile, Washington and Williams are candidates to start at center. Cody Martin appears to be the only other player guaranteed a place in the rotation.
Charlotte’s biggest current need is to figure out who will be the first guard off the bench when either Ball or Rozier needs a break. Ntilikina was presumably brought in to fill that role but will have to wait and see with the injury.
