Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets decline to give Marcus Paige a qualifying offer

By Jerry Stephens

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 6: Marcus Paige #4 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on April 6, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 6: Marcus Paige #4 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on April 6, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets and the rest of the NBA are awaiting the start of free agency which begins on July 1st. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at Marcus Paige set to become an unrestricted free agent, the Cleveland Cavaliers no longer being interested in Kemba Walker, and Chad Iske being added to James Borrego’s coaching staff.

Hornets decline to offer Marcus Paige a qualifying offer (NBA.com)

"The Charlotte Hornets have declined to give Treveon Graham and Marcus Paige qualifying offers, it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Both players will become unrestricted free agents on July 1."

Marcus Paige was one of Charlotte’s two two-way players last season. He spent most of the year in the G-League with the Greensboro Swarm but did appear in five games for the Hornets. In his limited appearances, he averaged 2.4 points per game, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists.

With the signing of J.P. Macura as one of Charlotte’s new two-way players for the upcoming campaign, it all but assured that Paige wouldn’t be returning. Marcus will now look for a new home on the open market this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

Charlotte unlikely to trade Kemba to Cavs (Twitter/ @ESPNCleveland)

"@WindhorstESPN on Cavs acquiring Kemba Walker: “I think that door has closed”"

After being linked with a move to Cleveland, it appears as though the Cavaliers’ interest in Walker has cooled. With the uncertainty of LeBron James‘ future, the Cavs’ direction is unclear. If LeBron returns, their pursuit of Kemba could be back on but if he leaves, it all but assures that the Hornets’ all-star point guard won’t be traded to Cleveland as they will likely look to rebuild rather than give up future assets for Walker’s expiring contract.

A trade package including Collin Sexton, a salary filler, and a future pick might’ve been enough to get a deal done with Charlotte. At this point, the trade talks are off between the two sides and I wouldn’t expect them to heat back up unless James re-signs to the Cavaliers. This could open the door for other teams to make attempts at trading for Kemba.

Chad Iske added to James Borrego’s staff (Twitter/ @WojESPN)

"Charlotte is hiring Wizards assistant Chad Iske to join James Borrego’s coaching staff, league sources tell ESPN."

Marc Stein previously reported that Charlotte was pursuing Iske but it now looks like he is set to join the Hornets as an assistant for next season. He joins Jay Triano (lead assistant), Jay Hernandez and Ronald Nored on James Borrego’s bench. Chad has worked with the Denver Nuggets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Sacramento Kings.

Next: Hornets-Magic discussed Kemba trade

He’s been an assistant in the NBA since 2007 and will now join the Queen City team whose coaching staff is slowly coming together. The Hornets’ new head coach has done a great job of adding coaches who specialize in player development and scouting which is their focus going forward.

Home/Hornets News