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Golden State Warriors: 3 best forwards still available in free agency

By Peter O'Keefe

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors dribbling the ball while closely defended by P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Chase Center on December 27, 2022. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors dribbling the ball while closely defended by P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Chase Center on December 27, 2022. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. P.J. Washington

P.J. Washington continues to be one of the most peculiar cases of free agency, but there’s little doubt that he’s one of, if not the most talented player left on the market. The 6’7″ forward has averaged nearly 13 points per game in his first four seasons, starting the majority of his career games albeit within a poor Charlotte Hornets team.

Washington’s future is now up in the air, a strange set of circumstances for someone who averaged nearly 16 points and five rebounds per game last season. The 24-year-old undoubtedly wants a pay day, but that hasn’t been forthcoming from the Hornets or another team in the way of an offer sheet.

The Hornets originally drafted Washington with the 12th overall pick in 2019, and this isn’t the first time his career at the franchise has been under question given they failed to agree to a rookie extension last offseason.

Charlotte chose to keep Washington past February’s trade deadline, but only after speculation that included ESPN proposing he be moved to the Warriors as part of a package for James Wiseman and Moses Moody.

So, what’s the latest? If this continues to drag on, Washington may be forced into accepting the Hornets’ qualifying offer and would therefore become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Alternatively, Charlotte and a rival team could organize a sign-and-trade for the talented power-forward.

The Warriors won’t be getting their hands on Washington but it will still be interesting to see where he ends up. Golden State fans should be hoping he remains in Charlotte rather than moving to a contender or rival in the Western Conference.

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