Charlotte Hornets pick up fourth-year option on Frank Kaminsky
In a move that didn’t surprise many, the Charlotte Hornets have picked up the fourth-year option on Frank Kaminsky‘s rookie contract.
The Charlotte Hornets have announced that they “have exercised the team’s fourth-year option on forward Frank Kaminsky.” Picking up the big man’s option was a mere formality. There was never really any doubt about his future with the team as it was always a given that they were going to exercise the final year of his rookie deal.
The Hornets had until October 31st, 2017 to pick up Kaminsky’s fourth-year option. Even though that deadline was fast approaching, it was inevitable that Charlotte would exercise the option. Especially considering how well Frank has played and how much they have invested in him going forward.
Kaminsky was originally drafted 9th overall by the Hornets in 2015. After two semi-productive seasons with Charlotte, the 24-year old looks to be taking the next step in his development this year. Frank has become an integral part of Steve Clifford’s rotation as a stretch four off of the bench.
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The final year of Kaminsky’s deal will pay him $3.6 million during the 2018-19 season. Next offseason, Frank will be eligible to sign an early extension. If the Hornets and player do not come to an agreement by the start of the 2018 season, he will become a restricted free agent after the 2018-19 campaign. Charlotte can then either give him a qualifying offer of $4.9 million, match any offer sheet he signs with another team or agree to a new deal.
The University of Wisconsin product has appeared in over 160 games for the Hornets and is averaging 9.6 points per game over the course of three seasons. In five games this year, Kaminsky is putting up career numbers with 14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 2.0 APG while shooting 45.6% from the field, 33.3% from three and 91.7% from the free throw line.
Looking back, Charlotte exercised the third-year option on Kaminsky’s deal around this time last year. Being in a contract year, it will be interesting to see how Frank plays throughout the season and what the front office does in terms of extending him next year.
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If everything goes right for Frank Kaminsky, he could be in line for a massive pay raise either from Charlotte or another team if he hits the free agent market in 2019. The next big deadline for the Hornets will be on January 10th, 2018 which is when Treveon Graham‘s deal for this year will become fully guaranteed. There is also little doubt about that one as the shooting guard/small forward will most likely stick with the team.