The Indiana Pacers released Duane Washington Jr. on Thursday, and the Los Angeles Lakers should rush to try and sign the young sharpshooter.
Washington, 22, had a promising debut season with the Pacers last year. He averaged 9.9 points per game while shooting 37.7 percent on 3-pointers. His numbers look excellent after adjusting for playing time, averaging 17.6 points and 3.2 assists per 36 minutes.
As predicted by HoopsHype’s Yossi Gozlan, however, Indiana’s front office waived Washington to clear the cap space to make an offer sheet to restricted free agent Deandre Ayton.
But the Suns matched the offer, which means Ayton will return to Phoenix next season. So the Pacers effectively cut Washington for no reason, and now there is a promising and young free agent who is suddenly available on the open market.
Indiana is still allowed to re-sign Washington, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, but perhaps a fresh start could make sense after yesterday’s transaction.
Several teams should have interest in Washington, but one team that should be rushing to the phone is the Lakers. As a low-risk, high-reward option for the roster, this is a player who makes sense for almost too many reasons.