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Charlotte Hornets: Is it time to part ways with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist?

By Elijah Edwards

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the Charlotte Hornets added wing depth, they have a bit of a logjam at the three and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may be the odd man out.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been a staple for the Charlotte Hornets over the last six seasons. Yet, the forward out of Kentucky hasn’t reached the potential a number two overall pick typically attains. Could it be time to trade him?

The 2012 draft still stings Charlotte Hornets fans to this day. The then Charlotte Bobcats had by far the worst record in the league that year (7-59 due to a shortened season) and fans seemed well assured that the number one pick would be theirs. Alas, we all know how that turned out. Still, at the time, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist seemed like a nice consolation prize at the number two pick.

Fast forward to today and fans are still wondering if MKG is ever going to prosper as a Hornet. He’s yet to turn 25, so he’s still rather young. After six seasons, however, he hasn’t shown any real improvement to his game. His jump shot is still a problem, his three-point shooting is abysmal, and his overall offensive game has never improved. All this culminating in a career 9.2 points per game.

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So, perhaps it’s time to find a deal featuring the 6’7″ small forward while he’s still young. Nicolas Batum has expressed his desire to move back to the small forward position, so if we are going to keep him, MKG would likely be coming off the bench. His $13 million dollar contract seems a bit steep for someone in that situation, especially given his statistics as a starter.

Still, a contending team looking for a solid perimeter defender could take a chance on the small forward.

There is a chance that Kidd-Gilchrist could enter free agency next summer as he has a $13 million player option for the 2019-20 season. Although it’s unlikely that he declines that considering that he may not get more money on the open market.

Still, there is some upside to MKG. He’s a solid defender and a decent rebounder, but I’m not sure that negates his poor offensive set. Perhaps some teams could see some potential to fix his game in ways the Hornets could not.

At only 24-years old, Michael is still young and has some upside. He could still develop a decent outside jumper and become more of an offensive threat.

It would honestly be kind of sad to see him go, though, because he seems to fit in well in the locker room and we’ve become accustomed to seeing him in a Hornets jersey. With Steve Clifford gone, however, the writing could be on the wall for MKG, at least in Charlotte.

Next: Frank Kaminsky 2017-18 season grade

So, what say you fans? He’s been the subject of trade rumors for what seems to be the last two or three seasons. Is it time? We may see soon enough.

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