Charlotte Hornets center Kai Jones, who is currently away from the team for personal reasons, has publicly requested a trade on his Twitter account. On Monday afternoon, Jones tweeted: “I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE.” The tweet has since been deleted, but not before it was captured by several media outlets and fans.
Jones, who was drafted 19th overall by the Hornets in 2021, has been unhappy with his role and situation in Charlotte. He has been vocal about his dissatisfaction on social media, posting cryptic messages and criticizing his teammates and coaches. He has also claimed to be the greatest player of all time and challenged a fan to a one-on-one game.
The Hornets announced on Sept. 30 that Jones would not report to training camp and would remain away from the team indefinitely. The team did not provide any details about Jones’ personal issues, but some reports suggested that they were concerned about his mental health and well-being.
Jones could face disciplinary action from the NBA
By publicly requesting a trade, Jones has potentially violated the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, which prohibits players from expressing their desire to be traded to another team. According to the CBA, any player who does so could be subject to a fine and/or a suspension. The maximum fine that the NBA can impose on a player for this offense is $150,000.
The NBA has not yet commented on Jones’ trade request or whether it will take any action against him. However, the league has previously fined and suspended players for similar incidents. For example, in 2019, Anthony Davis was fined $50,000 for publicly requesting a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans through his agent. In 2020, James Harden was fined $50,000 and suspended for one game for violating the league’s health and safety protocols amid his trade request from the Houston Rockets.
The Hornets have also not responded to Jones’ trade request or whether they will grant it. The team has the option to either trade him, keep him, or waive him. However, given Jones’ limited production and erratic behavior, it is unlikely that they will find many suitors for him in the trade market. Jones averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 46 games for the Hornets last season.
Jones’ trade request adds to the Hornets’ troubles
The Hornets are already dealing with several issues heading into the 2023-24 season, which starts on Oct. 19. The team missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season last year, finishing with a 27-55 record. The team also had difficulties in negotiating new contracts with some of their key players, such as P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges.
Washington, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, reportedly turned down a four-year, $80 million extension offer from the Hornets in August. He is expected to become a restricted free agent next summer, unless he signs a new deal with the team before then.
Bridges, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension with the Hornets in September, was arrested and charged with domestic violence in July. He allegedly assaulted his girlfriend at their home in Charlotte. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 18, one day before the season opener.
The Hornets also have several new faces on their roster this season, including rookie Brandon Miller, who was selected second overall in the 2022 NBA draft. Miller is expected to form a dynamic duo with LaMelo Ball, who won the Rookie of the Year award last season.
The Hornets hope that their young core can lead them to a playoff berth this season, but they will have to overcome their internal and external challenges first.
