Who Could Still Sign PJ Washington?
From Wednesday 5th of July restricted free agents can officially sign offer sheets with other teams. With no deal as of yet reached between PJ Washington and the Charlotte Hornets, there are several teams who could sign PJ Washington. (This article won't take into account Sign and Trade possibilities as the majority of the league would be eligible.)
Charlotte Hornets - Bird Rights + RFA
The Hornets retain PJ Washington's bird rights, this enables them to re-sign Washington to any sized contract over the salary cap despite not having CAP space. Charlotte also have the right to match any offer sheet signed with another team as PJ Washington is a restricted free agent. Overall, If the Hornets want PJ in Charlotte on a long term deal, they have the power to make it happen.
San Antonio Spurs - $25.4 Cap Space
The Spurs have the largest amount of cap space remaining, easily enough to sign PJ Washington to a contract up to $25 million which the Hornets would struggle to match. San Antonio's power forward room lacks depth, with second year forward Jeremy Sochan being the only recognised four on the roster. Washington's versatility to play both front court positions would fit well next to the incoming Victor Wembanyama who might be overpowered at times playing center. A three year deal above $55 million would put the Hornets in a situation where they may consider letting Washington go and and pursuing other options, such as Grant Williams.
Houston Rockets - $15.4 Cap Space***
Under the new leadership of coach Ime Udoka and with several veteran signings, Houston have made it clear they are finished playing for ping pong balls. Could they look to add PJ Washington to their young core? The Rockets have less of a need at Power Forward with the sophomore duo of Jabari Smith and Tari Eason, along with veteran Jeff Green. However, given their series of unconventional moves this offseason, it is not out of the question for them to pursue more talent. The fact that Houston is closer to Washington's hometown of Dallas could also be a motivating factor.
*** Houston's CAP space depends on how the Sign and Trade of Dillon Brooks is structured, this is still unclear but they could have up to $15.4 million.
Mid-Level Exception (MLE) Teams - (Several)
Several teams, including Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago and PJ Washington's hometown of Dallas still have the full $12.2 million MLE available. . If the Hornets' primary free agency target, Grant Williams, is off the board, they would likely match any offer sheet of MLE size for Washington without hesitation. However, if the Hornets' front office decides they need to create salary cap space to sign Williams to an offer sheet themselves, they might allow Washington to walk and sign with another team for the full MLE.
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