Surprise Turn Of Events For Hornets Free Agent

After a summer of discontent and slowed contract negotiations for the Charlotte Hornets' restricted free agent power forward PJ Washington, it appeared he would have to go into this coming season without an extension and an uncertain future. 

But the two sides have finally come to terms, and Washington is now set to be a Hornet for three more years.

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

It's a three-year, $48 million deal. 

As noted by Hornets' beat writer Rod Boone, that's another core piece locked up now for the Bugs, who also signed franchise player LaMelo Ball to a max extension earlier this summer. 

The 25-year-old Washington becomes the NBA's final restricted free agent to come to terms. 

The 6'7" power forward averaged a career high 15.7 points last season, in addition to becoming the first Hornets player in history to average two 3-pointers and a blocked shot per game in a season. He shot 34.8% from beyond the arc. 

He dropped a career-best 43 points in a March game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Miles Bridges, the other RFA forward on the Charlotte roster to start the offseason, did not sign an extension, and instead picked up his qualifying offer, and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Photo: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports