Kai Jones – Charlotte Hornets big man Player who left the team during training camp for “personal reasons” — he announced on social media on Monday that he had requested a trade.
He has officially requested a trade from the Charlotte Hornets. #goatlife
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) October 9, 2023
I stopped talking to people who cloud my mind, I was a goat all along.
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) October 9, 2023
Mr. Jones’ self-made public collection request is a direct violation of the CBA and could result in suspension or a fine of up to $150,000.
Also, given Jones’ social media posts about the offseason and the fact that he hasn’t established himself as a rotation player in the NBA (he’s No. 3 on the Hornets’ depth chart), it’s unlikely a team would move forward with a deal. It’s almost impossible. It’s more likely that the Hornets won’t pick up Jones’ $4.7 million option for next season, waive him (he’s owed $3 million this season), and make him a free agent. If Jones were a free agent, it’s hard to imagine any other team taking a chance and signing him at this point. Jones averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in less than 10 minutes per game for the Hornets last season (he showed signs of promise in summer league this past July).
Jones made a series of bizarre social media posts this summer, some of which criticized his teammates. One hinted that Jones was a better player than Charlotte star LaMelo Ball and No. 2 pick Brandon Miller, and said that he could beat LeBron James one-on-one. It was a series of posts on Twitter. Jones then criticized teammate Mark Williams, the Hornets center who starts before him.
I am God😍🐐🦋💕🔝☮️🕺🏾🛸🇧🇸🌈🥇
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) September 30, 2023
All of this caused all of his teammates to unfollow him on social media.
Jones’ story continues. Let’s hope he’s okay and gets help if he needs it.