For the last few years, the Charlotte Hornets have been trying to figure out what their future looks like.
They have a talented leader with LaMelo Ball, although his injury history has been troubling.
But the team needs other stars to lead the way too.
P.J. Washington is one of them.
Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Washington has agreed on a new three-year, $48 million contract to stay with the Hornets.
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
Back in June, the Hornets extended a $8.5 million qualifying offer to Washington to make him a restricted free agent.
Now he is officially coming back to the team for a few more years.
Additionally, Rod Boone reports that the new deal doesn’t have any player or team options.
PJ Washington and #Hornets have agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $48 million, his agents Paul Washington Sr. of Washington Sports Group and Kevin Bradbury of Lift Sports Agency told @theobserver. No options, I'm told. Move keeps one of core pieces around LaMelo in place.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) August 26, 2023
What the Hornets are doing is trying to build and retain a strong core around Ball and Gordon Hayward, another player who has had his fair share of injuries.
Washington was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
For his first two seasons, he averaged more than 12 points but experienced a dip in production during 2021-22.
However, he earned more time on the court in the last season and started in every game.
His numbers went up because of that and he averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 44.4% from the field.
Washington would be a good fit on multiple teams in the league so the Hornets are lucky to get him on a relatively inexpensive contract.
He has shown that he has two-way abilities and a drive to play a lot and play hard.
As the Hornets attempt to get back into playoff contention, Washington will be a part of their plans.
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