9:41 am: Charlotte used the open roster spot created by releasing Branham to re-sign Pat Connaughton, announcing the move on Twitter.
Connaughton was waived last Wednesday so a deal bringing Jones from Orlando could be completed. Connaughton, a 33-year-old swingman, has appeared in 22 games this season, posting 2.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.0 minutes per night.
9:00 am: The Hornets have opened up a roster spot by waiving Malaki Branham, the team announced (via Twitter).
The 22-year-old combo guard was traded at last week’s deadline. Washington initially agreed to send him to Dallas as part of the eight-player Anthony Davis deal, but the Mavericks expanded the trade to reroute him to Charlotte in exchange for Tyus Jones.
Branham had a limited role with the Wizards this season, appearing in 28 games, all as a reserve. He averaged 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 9.8 minutes per night with .473/.378/.824 shooting splits.
He’s earning a guaranteed $4,962,033 in the final year of his rookie contract, so the Hornets will be on the hook for the balance of that deal.
Branham was selected by San Antonio with the 20th pick in the 2022 draft after a strong freshman year at Ohio State. He was a part-time starter with the Spurs during his first two NBA seasons, but fell out of the rotation last year and was shipped to Washington in July.
The Hornets have won nine straight games and are currently 10th in the East.
Rushing to the money…
No way he should’ve left Ohio State after one year.
Transfer, maybe, to a better program. But, even tho he was deemed a 1st round pick (pre-draft), if you saw him you knew he needed another year (or two) in college.
I liked him on the Spurs
So they waive Connaughton and have to pay his full salary. Then the sign him again on a minimum deal for rest of season. He gets more on top of his salary. Nice deal for him.
And it’s even more weird they waived Branham to bring him back, considering Branham is 11 years younger and has outplayed him this season.
That’s what you don’t understand. Veterans are important. You don’t need 15 young guys jacking up 3s
He’s an NBA player imo. Yes I agree he should have stayed in college. At 22 he is still worth looking into. Teams that need help should give him a shot. Bucks, Kings, Nets, Clippers, Pelicans all should consider it. He’s 2way potential. Play him G-league for a full year and coach him.
I believe Pat Connaughton has the second longest active playoff appearance streak (James Harden). Hopefully the Hornets can keep it alive.
That’s twice now this rule’s been circumvented
Dang. Malaki was decent his first two years.
Does this mean they’re keeping Tillman?