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Charlotte Hornets terminate Rich Cho’s contract, Plan to pursue Mitch Kupchak

By Jerry Stephens

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 16: Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets smiles during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 16: Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets smiles during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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All signs are pointing to Mitch Kupchak being Rich Cho’s replacement as the Charlotte Hornets’ general manager for next season.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Charlotte Hornets are “unlikely to bring back GM Rich Cho on a new contract next season.” Woj also added that they are “expected to pursue former Lakers’ GM Mitch Kupchak to partner in front office with assistant GM Buzz Peterson.” This signals the end for Cho who has been with the franchise since 2011. Steve Reed of AP tweeted that the team fired Cho and terminated his contract.

This report comes after a rumor that the Queen City team was interested in bringing in Mitch Kupchak. The former Lakers general manager has been out of the NBA since being fired by LA in 2017. Looking at Charlotte’s salary cap situation and lack of success in recent seasons, it was only a matter of time before a front office move was made.

Cho was in the final year of his contract after the Hornets picked up his option for the 2017-18 season. With only two playoff appearances in the past six seasons under Rich, a change was inevitable. This will be the second front office change for Charlotte in as many seasons as their former assistant GM, Chad Buchanan, joined the Indiana Pacers as their GM last summer.

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Signing Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams to massive long-term deals and missing on multiple draft picks over the years ultimately led to Cho’s downfall. He hasn’t had the best track record with lottery draft selections outside of Kemba Walker. Trades for Nic Batum, Dwight Howard and Jeremy Lamb highlighted his time with the team.

Even though Kupchak is a lead candidate to replace Cho, the Hornets have not yet had contact with him. Discussions will likely be held this offseason once Rich’s contract is up. There is a chance that Charlotte could target other general manager candidates if they are unable to work out a deal with Mitch.

In the article, Woj said that the Michael Jordan‘s plan is for Buzz Peterson to remain a key decision maker and Kupchak may just be brought in to help groom Peterson so that he can become a GM one day. It’s worth noting that Peterson, Jordan and Kupchak are all former North Carolina Tar Heels.

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Kupchak would bring a championship pedigree to the Hornets as he won two NBA Titles while with the Los Angeles Lakers. A new GM would likely give Charlotte a new direction but whoever replaces Cho will have a lot on their plate with the team’s salary cap situation.

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