The NBA has come across a few odd characters in the past but Kai Jones is the most peculiar of them all. There has been a lot of drama surrounding his name over the off-season. We may or may not see him perform on the floor anytime soon or ever again. It wasn’t until this year that Jones showed a questionable side of his character. His comments on social media and the person he tries to portray himself as have punctured a hole in his relationship with the Charlotte Hornets.
The organization has been trying to rebuild for quite some time now. However, due to them being a small market team, they haven’t been able to attract star players. The Hornets have struggled to make it to the playoffs over the last few seasons. But fans are hoping that the latest change in ownership will bring some sort of hope for the future. Charlotte might have to make a lot more changes, starting with their controversial big man.
I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE
— Kai Jones (@242_jones) October 9, 2023
Surprisingly, Kai Jones recently requested a trade from the Hornets. He announced his request via X as well, saying, “I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE.” He also followed up this post by saying, “Done talking to people that cloud my heart I was goat from the start.” Jones had a lot of crass opinions about his teammates made on social media. Additionally, he also claimed that he was better than Stephen Curry, a prime Shaquille O’Neal, and the consensus GOAT himself, Michael Jordan.
Hornets players unfollowed Kai Jones on social media
A few months ago, Kai Jones claimed that he was better than two-star athletes on his team. They were LaMelo Ball and rookie Brandon Miller. He also tried to claim that a few other teammates of his were little to no good to the team, unlike him. But in reality, it’s been quite the opposite as he averaged 3.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game. Jones also happens to be third in the Hornets’ depth chart while others are starters and second rotational players.
His questionable comments on social media eventually led his teammates to unfollow him. This further explains that the Hornets want nothing to do with him as well. Jones’ publicized trade request also will backfire on him. According to NBA guidelines, “Any player who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another Team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension. The maximum fine that may be imposed by the NBA on a player pursuant to the foregoing shall be $150,000.”
According to league rules, Kai Jones could be fined up to $150K for publicly requesting a trade 😬
(h/t @byBrianGoins ) pic.twitter.com/kH062YshOR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 9, 2023
With what Kai Jones has done this off-season, teams may not be interested in acquiring him. His track record now shows that he can be a disturbance in the locker room. And this isn’t what teams expect out of a player. If the Hornets can’t trade him, they can waive Jones of his contract, making him a free agent this season.