The Charlotte Hornets have released 26-year-old forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The former No. 2 pick had been with the franchise since they drafted him in 2012.
Kidd-Gilchrist was earning $13M in the final year of the contract extension that kicked in after his rookie deal. It’s unclear how much of that, if any, he gave back in a buyout.
Kidd-Gilchrist will go through waivers and be free to sign with any team in the likely event that he goes unclaimed.
The former Kentucky product never developed into a reliable offensive weapon for the Hornets but his length makes him an solid defender and intriguing buyout candidate as contenders look to round out their teams.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski lists the Dallas Mavericks as a potential suitor.
