4 free agents the Cavaliers missed out on in 2023 offseason
P.J. Washington could have been great for the Cavaliers
The Charlotte Hornets faced a tough season after LaMelo Ball’s injury perils, but there were silver linings in the struggles. A number of their role players managed to seize the opportunity to showcase their skills, one of those being 6-foot 7-inches forward P.J. Washington.
Washington was a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Hornets could match any deal he was offered. Through the first few weeks of free agency, Washington remained unsigned and unable to find the contract he wanted.
Eventually, the Cavaliers found interest in Washington’s situation, beginning talks with Charlotte surrounding a potential sign-and-trade. Unfortunately, Washington and his camp were hoping to reach a deal worth an average of $20 per season, and the Cavaliers could not reasonably meet the asking price without surrendering too much in return.
Washington signed a $48 million extension for the next three seasons in Charlotte. He will make $16.8 million next season, per Spotrac, a number substantially lower than his desired number this summer. While he will be ineligible for trade until January 15, 2024, the Cavaliers could seemingly still bring Washington to Cleveland by the trade deadline with his lowered salary.
As it stands now, though, Washington was a missed opportunity for the Cavs. Finally, this free agent could have been an ideal veteran wing for Cleveland, and he ended up signing elsewhere on a surprisingly cheap deal.