Following recent concerning social media activity, the Charlotte Hornets have waived center Kai Jones.
The Charlotte Hornets have waived former first-round pick Kai Jones, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/53L73V4H49
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 11, 2023
NBA News: Charlotte Hornets Waive Kai Jones
Background
After two years at Texas, Jones was taken 19th overall by the New York Knicks—then traded to the Hornets—in the 2021 Draft. He split his time between the Hornets and their G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Over two seasons with the Swarm, Jones put up 17.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. He also shot 66% from the field, 30% from distance and 68% from the free-throw line.
Recently, Jones appeared in five games for the Hornets’ Summer League team. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks.
Jones is known as an athletic two-way big, and his highlights speak for themselves. However, once touted as an exciting, promising center, recent controversy landed the 22-year-old in hot water with the Hornets.
Jones Waived After Public Trade Request
After a series of social media posts that ranged from disparaging teammates to claiming he’s better than LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, the Hornets made Jones step away from the team on Sept. 30. They offered limited statements on the matter, but head coach Steve Clifford noted it had “been handled internally.” The situation reached its apex when Jones requested a trade through social media.
I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) October 9, 2023
According to NBA rules, a player may be fined up to $150,000 if they “publicly express a desire to be traded.” While no punishment has been made for Jones’s actions, it may not be long before he has to face those consequences.
Jones has since responded to the news, taking the high road:
I used to pray for times like dis #GOATLIFE
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) October 11, 2023
What’s Next for Kai Jones?
While the Hornets can move on from Jones and his behavior, Jones doesn’t have a clear or easy route back to the league. Training camp rosters are filled up with opening night only a couple of weeks away. There’s a chance he could rejoin the G League, as their training camps begin Oct. 30 with an opening night of Dec. 27.
At 22 with high-flying talent, Jones still has the potential to have a long basketball career. However, he must first prove that he can be a true team player with limited distractions.
