With a Friday deadline looming, the Hornets remain uninterested in accommodating a buyout for big man Frank Kaminsky, sources tell Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated (Twitter link).
Spears reiterates what we heard a week ago: Kaminsky would welcome a buyout and an opportunity to play a greater role elsewhere, since he has been out of the rotation in Charlotte for much of the season. The Hornets reportedly want to keep him around for depth purposes in their frontcourt as they make a push for a spot in the postseason.
March 1 is the last day that a player can be waived by one team and retain his playoff eligibility for a new club. If Kaminsky were released by the Hornets this Saturday (March 2), he’d be able to sign with a new team after clearing waivers, but wouldn’t be permitted to play for that new team in the postseason.
The ninth overall pick in the 2015 draft, Kaminsky played a regular role in Charlotte’s rotation over the last two seasons, averaging 11.3 PPG and 4.1 RPG on .413/.350/.780 shooting during that two-year stretch. In 2018/19, however, he has been limited to 26 games and a career-low 10.8 MPG, and hasn’t played more than 10 minutes in a game since January 2. He hasn’t seen the court at all for the Hornets since the All-Star break.
Kaminsky is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, so even if he sticks with the Hornets for the rest of the season, he should get an opportunity to find a new team when his contract expires this summer. Although he’s eligible for restricted free agency, the 25-year-old seems unlikely to receive a $4.5MM qualifying offer from Charlotte. If the club passes on that QO, Kaminsky would become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Dallas should b in on him in the offseason. Adds the stretch 5 they need behind Powell.
I tend not to begrudge a player looking out for his own best interests. However, in this case it seems totally reasonable for Charlotte to expect a draftee in the last year of his rookie contract to contribute any way he can to their legitimate playoff push.
Except that they aren’t giving him any opportunity to contribute.
Another blown draft pick! C’mon Man (meaning MJ)!
I bet he isn’t willing to give up much salary in a buyout either
Doesn’t matter, Hornets are not motivated to move him now.
Yawn