Kai Jones is the latest free agent in the NBA market after the Charlotte Hornets waived the former first-round draft pick.
The 22-year-old requested a trade after two seasons in Buzz City, but with the 2023-24 NBA season closing in, the chances of seeing Kai Jones being picked up by another NBA club do not look promising.
His stats are far from impressive, but his social media antics were more concerning, such as aligning himself with NBA greats LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Associated Press reported.
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In 67 NBA regular season games, the former Texas Longhorn has averaged a measly 2.7 points and two rebounds per Basketball-Reference, hardly appealing for any team.
The last thing that any team would want is a distraction. But some teams could take a risk if his height and buzz are to be considered.
1. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have been a fond landing spot for players who want to raise their stock, and Jones could get that chance. However, this means being open to the fact that reaching the NBA playoffs will be a hard climb.
Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma are there, so adding Jones could provide the Wizards with the needed ceiling. However, he needs to keep his head in the game if he is to be of any help.
2. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets is another team in the rebuilding phase. The team is no stranger to taking in players who have off-court issues and have paid for it. Most of them were superstars, something Kai Jones considers himself to be.
The Nets could take a chance and give him a shot. But lasting the entire season is another matter. Will head coach Jacque Vaughn take the risk?
3. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are also rebuilding, starting a new era after the exit of Damian Lillard. The team already has DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams III manning the slot. Jones could make sense at power forward if head coach Chauncey Billups feels he can handle the high-flying hoopster. It all depends if the Blazers are willing to gamble on Jones and his social media tirades.
4. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers need some help up front, and Jones could fit that need. So far, only Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and Jalen Smith are listed as the team's power forwards.
As someone who has dealt with controversial players, Rick Carlisle could take a chance. However, the Pacers will likely check first if Jones' social media rants may hinder their 2023-24 campaign.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers seem set for the coming NBA season, although there is the James Harden trade drama on the table. Regardless, team president Daryl Morey mentioned wanting talented young players to join the mix in any Harden trade scenario, per Bleacher Report.
Jones could fit that need and provide Joel Embiid with some needed help. P.J. Tucker is around to set Jones straight if he gets signed up.
Morey is no stranger to dealing with players with issues, one of which is Harden. Will he take a risk on Kai Jones?
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