https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2023/08/do-cavs-need-another-point-guard-given-the-uncertain-ricky-rubio-situation-hey-chris.html"Hey, Chris: How likely is a P.J. Washington sign-and-trade? What would the Cavs need to give up? -- Cavs fans everywhere
Hey, Cavs fans: Let’s start here: Sources say the 24-year-old Washington, who is a restricted free agent, is hoping for a contract around $20 million annually. The Hornets have reportedly been unwilling to give Washington the long-term contract he is seeking, and the two sides are currently in a contract stalemate. If a financial deal can’t be reached, with Charlotte unwilling to budge on its stance or Washington agreeing to a shorter deal for less money, the Hornets’ options aren’t very appealing.
Washington could sign the qualifying offer, play out the year and then Charlotte risks losing him as an unrestricted free agent next summer -- the path Washington’s teammate Miles Bridges is taking. The Hornets could also work out a sign-and-trade.
A few years ago, restricted free agent forward Lauri Markkanen was in a similar situation, stuck in contract limbo with the offseason coming to an end. The Bulls weren’t willing to pay him. The Cavs were. The two teams brought in Portland as a trade conduit, finalizing a three-team deal that ultimately cost fan favorite Larry Nance Jr.
Could the Cavs pull off a similar coup?
Sources say even though Cleveland has expressed interest in acquiring Washington, and there’s a belief it is lurking, there haven’t been any extensive, detailed or meaningful trade discussions with Charlotte at this point.
Typically teams that complete sign-and-trades don’t get bulky return packages and it’s unclear what Charlotte would want. All-Star center Jarrett Allen is an obvious fit for a variety of reasons. But the Cavs have rebuffed offers for Allen throughout the offseason and it’s hard to see them viewing Washington as an appreciable upgrade, the kind of deal that would make Cleveland change its stance.
If Washington would be willing to take less money -- a contract in the same range as Markkanen’s $15-million-per-year number in 2021 -- the salaries of Dean Wade and Rubio would theoretically work financially. Toss in some second-round picks as sweeteners and there’s an alternate trade framework. But would it satisfy Charlotte?"
