Could Kai Jones’ time with the Charlotte Hornets be coming to an end? It will if he has his way. Jones posted on Twitter/X that he has requested a trade from Charlotte.
I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) October 9, 2023
Jones would follow his own post by sharing someone else’s post stating that they do not want drama, stress, or toxicity, only peace.
I’m at a place in my life where I just want peace. No drama, no stress, no toxicity just peace
— Kandon (@KandonDortch) October 9, 2023
That is pretty ironic, considering how this entire situation came to be. Jones was seen taking shots at some of his teammates, later continuing by claiming to be capable of beating LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal in games of one-on-one. It was then reported that Jones would be away from the team indefinitely, with the Hornets releasing the following statement.
"“The Charlotte Hornets announced today that forward/center Kai Jones will not participate in Training Camp due to personal reasons. There is not currently a timetable for his return to the team. Out of respect for the personal nature of the situation, the Hornets will not have any additional public comments regarding the matter at this time.”"
It was only a matter of time before Jones would request a trade or the Hornets would decide to part ways with the third-year center. But now Jones has made the first move by making his request to be traded public.
Finding a trade partner for Jones will not be an easy task for the Hornets. Jones has not really done enough during his first two years in the league to warrant much interest from other teams. Averaging just 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game, Jones has scored in double-digits just four times in his career, all coming during this past season.
Now it is up to the Hornets as to whether or not they want to grant his trade request. That is if they are able to grant it. The lack of production on the court, combined with the way things have played out over the past month, will make it difficult to get anything worthwhile in return for Jones. Whatever value Jones had before his online escapades has absolutely tanked, and Charlotte may not be able to find a trade partner interested in acquiring his services.
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