Ranking 5 free agent targets with ties to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
By John Canady
1. P.J. Washington
P.J. Washington is yet another former Wildcat teammate of Gilgeous-Alexander. The two talents played impressively well together in 2017 under John Callipari. Perhaps the former Kentucky teammates could pick up where they left off with the Thunder.
Washington is coming off the best season of his career this past year. Washington averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks for the Hornets in 2022–2023. Shooting 44.4% from the floor and 34.8% from three-point range, the 6-foot-7 power forward could add yet another stretch-big option for the Thunder in free agency.
The Thunder will have their No. 2 overall pick, Chet Holmgren, returning from injury next season, so their need for a stretch big may not be as big as others. But if Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault were to decide to add insurance to Holmgren, Washington would be a good addition to the team. At 24-years-old, Washington would fit the young timeline of the rebuilding yet ascending Thunder.
Charlotte will have the ability to match any offer sheet that Washington signs, but with the team’s constant rumors looking to trade the big-man, OKC may be able to sign the SEC product for less than expected.