Washington Jr. has appeared in 79 contests for the Pacers and Suns across his first two NBA seasons. He’ll look for a new home before the 2024-25 campaign tips off on October 22.

Washington is one of the most experienced players on the Knicks roster, so his offensive takeover on Saturday was unsurprising. He finished last season on a two-way contract but is currently an unrestricted free agent, so Washington’s performance against the Hornets came at a perfect time. Also fighting for a contract is Jacob Toppin, who finished the loss with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, one block, and two 3-pointers in 32 minutes. Unlike Washington, Toppin is a restricted free agent.

Washington began this season with the Knicks on a two-way deal but saw minimal action before a right thumb injury in late November sidelined him for 6-8 weeks. Washington’s return moves the Knicks back to three two-way deals, as Dylan Windler was waived last month.

Washington, who’s on a two-way contract, hasn’t been in the Knicks’ rotation when healthy. His extended absence will impact the team’s G League affiliate more.