The post-deadline buyout market in the NBA is showing signs of kicking into high gear, and the first big name looks to be on his way to joining it.
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly preparing a buyout for forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon of ESPN, and the Dallas Mavericks are a possible destination when it happens.
Reporting with @espn_macmahon: Charlotte is finalizing a contract buyout with F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Dallas has emerged as a possible destination once MKG clears waivers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2020
Kidd-Gilchrist hasn’t been a factor for Charlotte this season. He’s appeared in only 12 games, and is averaging just 13.3 minutes per night. He’s still only 26, but with career averages of 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, he’s more of a depth piece than anything else.
The Mavericks were actually linked with a trade for Kidd-Gilchrist before the deadline, so their interest is real and not new. Dallas is in good shape to make the playoffs, so this would be a nice upward move for the former second overall pick.
