Charlotte Hornets: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist finalizing buyout to become free agent
It has been less than a day, and the Charlotte Hornets are on the move once again, finalizing a buyout agreement with long time forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
The Charlotte Hornets have finalized their second buyout in as many days, choosing to part ways with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who they drafted with the second overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Kentucky.
More from Swarm and Sting
- Hornets: Where does Brandon Miller’s ceiling rank among other rookies?
- Charlotte Hornets grade out mostly average in position-by-position ranking
- Hornets News: P.J. Washington makes bold statement on Brandon Miller
- Grade the mock trade: Hornets snag Tyler Herro, flip Gordon Hayward
- Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
After a stagnant trade deadline, the Hornets have committed to their rebuild with these two buyouts of Marvin Wiliams and Kidd-Gilchrist.
After a long tenure in Charlotte, the veteran has failed to see much floor time this season, as the front office and Head Coach James Borrego have gone all-in on the young core of Devonte’ Graham, PJ Washington, Miles Bridges, and Malik Monk.
MKG’s contract was set to expire this offseason and make him an unrestricted free agent, so a move from Charlotte was almost inevitable.
Kidd-Gilchrist is likely to draw interest from a number of contending teams as a depth piece, with the Dallas Mavericks emerging as the number one contender, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
MKG is a player that has always been a defensive stud, but could never muster a large offensive game competent enough in Charlotte. If Rick Carlisle and company can figure out how to get him into a larger offensive role, this could end up being a great signing for the Mavericks.
Kidd-Gilchrist is likely to sign the veteran’s minimum wherever he ends up, although only 26 years of age. So far this season, MKG has only averaged 13.3 minutes for the Hornets; he added 4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and a PER of 6.17.
Next. Miles Bridges and PJ Washington — An Awkward Fit. dark
Even with little playoff experience, and a very rough offensive game to go along with it, MKG’s defensive capabilities are enough for any contender to want him on their roster, so look for him to be scooped up rather swiftly.