“That’s not what your agent said” – Charlotte Hornets GM hilariously dismisses PJ Washington’s claim of riding with team

The Charlotte Hornets and PJ Washington just lately reached an settlement on a three-year contract value $48 million, guaranteeing that the versatile ahead will stay in Buzz City.

During his first press convention Tuesday after signing the contract extension, Washington, accompanied by Hornets General Manager Mitch Kupchak, overtly reiterated his love for Charlotte and his dedication to the team:

“For me, I all the time wished to remain in Charlotte.”

However, simply as Washington was about to elaborate on his causes for sticking with the Hornets, Kupchak playfully interrupted the press convention.

“That’s not what your brokers had been saying,” Kupchak mentioned.

After a lighthearted second, Washington asserted that he had a robust need to stay in Charlotte, though there have been reported curiosity from different groups, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks.

“But like I mentioned, I undoubtedly wished to remain right here,” Washington mentioned.

“It took a minute, however I believe all people’s glad and we’re glad we’re on the identical web page.”

PJ Washington and his upward profession trajectory

The Charlotte Hornets chosen PJ Washington with the twelfth choose within the 2019 NBA draft. He has confirmed to be a precious asset for the team, each as a starter and off the bench.

During the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Washington primarily served as a starter and performed in 122 video games with 118 begins. In that interval, he averaged 12.6 factors, 6.0 rebounds and a couple of.3 assists.. He shot 44.7% from the sector, together with 38.1% from the 3-point vary.

In the 2021-22 season, Washington’s function as a starter decreased, with solely 28 begins out of 65 video games.

However, he returned to the beginning lineup for the 2022-23 season and had the perfect yr of his profession. In 73 video games, he averaged 15.7 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 blocks, whereas capturing 44.4% from the sector and 34.8% from past the arc.

Re-signing PJ Washington solidifies a younger Charlotte core that additionally options LaMelo Ball and 2023 No. 2 choose Brandon Miller.