Veteran NBA big man Montrezl Harrell, who was arrested in Kentucky earlier this year on marijuana charges, had his felony trafficking charge reduced to a misdemeanor possession charge, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).
If Harrell remains in good legal standing for the next 12 months, the misdemeanor charge will be removed from his record, Haynes adds. Harrell was initially charged after police found three pounds of marijuana in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Richmond, Ky.
The reduced charge is good news for Harrell, who remains unsigned nearly two months after the 2022 free agent period opened. While the 28-year-old’s production has slipped in the last couple seasons since he earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2020, his ongoing availability seems more about his legal situation off the court than what he can provide on the court. Now that Harrell is facing a less serious charge, he could be in position to find a new NBA home before training camps begin in September.
A seven-year veteran, Harrell appeared in 71 total games for the Wizards and Hornets in 2021/22, averaging 13.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 2.0 APG on 64.5% shooting in 23.1 minutes per contest.
The former Louisville standout is a talented scorer, but doesn’t stretch the floor on offense and isn’t a rim protector on defense, limiting his appeal to some extent. Still, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t find a spot on an NBA roster this fall.
Who would want him at this point?
Most people aren’t little grnny geeks about weed so…..
@dangerbone I wouldn’t want him. Not because of the weed, but because hed probably want more than the minimum
Most teams, but most teams are offering minimum deals and he doesn’t want that
It’s not about the weed charge. It’s more to do with locker room fit. Had issues with his role with lakers and wizards. Also had issues with clippers when they didn’t use him as much during the playoffs. Just not a team guy
I wouldn’t be surprised if he remains unsigned until the end of the season.
I would. I think teams were waiting to see his legal situation get resolved.
Heat,Nets,Philly need scoring down low to name a few.
Maybe his production slipped because of the 3 pounds of marijuana
Mine tends to increase.
Amazing how 3 pounds of marijuana is a misdemeanor.. lmao
Literally didn’t do anything wrong
Same man same. Join the club
How is 3 lbs merely posession?
because that’s not a lot of weed
It’s called a plea bargain (the initial charge was a felony).
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I warned everyone about what Harrell would do to that young Hornets core…. Loved him on the Clips but his ego thinking Klaw ruined his home led him to a strange couple years. Hope he finds spot
He was simply awesome playing for Clippers when he won 6th man of the yr. He would often dominate Warriors. He was one of those guys who could have eaaily signed $80m+ guaranteed contract. Pretty sure he’s bitter, but he needs to snap out of it, get into shape, and join any team who will give him an opportunity instead of negotiating a bigger contract. Sign a minimum contract and get into shape! Play and train like you are getting paid $30M a year and you will still have a good career going forward. Only 28.
Herrell, Cousins, Shroeder …. Players like them are better than half of nba players, but they have some attitude and mental issues. Professional sports especially team sports is not just about individual stats on court. They need to all snap out of it quick and still make something out of their career.
Harrell always to me one of the funnest players to watch. I’m stoked they made it a misdemeanor! That’s the right move. He’d look good in a Suns uni to me. Was so crazy on the Clips!
If I got busted with 3lbs, I’d be locked away for a while, while this guy gets a misdemeanor which will be waived. Athlete privilege.
Never understood why athletes do dumb crap like this when they’ve made it big. I know it’s just weed but why tf are you transporting 3 pounds of it. Brainless