NBA Rumors: 4 Difference-making free agents curiously still available

PJ Washington (restricted)

At this point, it’s almost impossible to predict what the Charlotte Hornets will end up deciding on PJ Washington. In a vacuum, it’s usually unlikely for teams to let their restricted free agents walk. However, with the changes that are taking place within the franchise, that’s become a very real possibility with Washington. Coming off a season in which he averaged 16 points and five rebounds on 35 percent shooting from 3-point range, you wouldn’t expect the Hornets to be uninterested in re-signing Washington. That seems like the case. At least for now.

Unless the Hornets are letting Washington set his own market, which would actually be the smart path forward. Instead of the Hornets bidding against themselves, they could let Washington find his true value and then match whatever offer sheet he finds on the open market.

That said, there’s still a chance that the Hornets end up working a sign and trade for Washington. Especially after the team decided to sign Miles Bridges in free agency and draft Brandon Miller in the 2023 NBA Draft.