Cavs, Hornets Have Not Had ‘Meaningful’ Trade Talks on PJ Washington

AKRON, Ohio — Despite some rumors, the Cavaliers and Hornets have not taken part in any serious sign-and-trade discussions centered on Charlotte power forward P.J. Washington, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Washington is a restricted free agent, meaning the Hornets could match any offer he receives from another team. But no offers have come — from the Hornets or otherwise.

That’s a little bit of a surprise, considering Washington is just 24 years old and started all 73 games in which he played last season. He also averaged a career-high 15.7 points.

Washington is 6-foot-7 and also averaged 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 blocks, shooting 44 percent from the field and 35 percent on 3-pointers.

While the Cavs are interested, it doesn’t appear they are willing to give up much in a deal for Washington. As Fedor wrote, “there haven’t been any extensive, detailed or meaningful trade discussions with Charlotte at this point.”

Multiple reports suggest Washington is looking for a deal that will pay him $20 million a year. Right now, the Hornets have all the leverage, because we’re well into free agency and Washington has yet to receive an offer … from anyone.

As for the Cavs, they do remain on the lookout for free agents, with the likes of forward Kelly Oubre (Hornets) and center Christian Wood (Mavericks) among those believed to be on their radar. Both Oubre and Wood are unrestricted.