Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has picked up his 2019/20 player option, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (via Twitter). The move ensures that Kidd-Gilchrist locks in his $13MM salary for next season, putting him on track to reach unrestricted free agency in 2020.
Kidd-Gilchrist’s decision doesn’t come as a surprise. The former second overall pick is coming off a down year in which he averaged 6.7 PPG and 3.8 RPG in a career-low 18.4 minutes per contest. Having started all but four of 357 career games for the Hornets heading into the season, he came off the bench for 61 of his 64 contests this past year.
Kidd-Gilchrist is also currently recovering from a surgical procedure which he underwent last week to address a chronic groin strain. The 25-year-old is expected to be ready to return to action in time for training camp, according to the Hornets.
With Kidd-Gilchrist opting in, the Hornets will now have to account for three pricey player options on their 2019/20 cap, as Bismack Biyombo and Marvin Williams previously picked up theirs as well.
[RELATED: NBA Player Option Decisions For 2019/20]
In total, those three options tack on about $45MM to Charlotte’s team salary for next season, increasing the club’s total guaranteed commitments to $94MM+. That figure doesn’t include new contracts for free agents like Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky, or – most notably – Kemba Walker.
The good news for Charlotte is that MKG and Marvin Williams are players on expiring contracts that teams might want
mj is literally the worst owner ever hahahahaha
This doesn’t have anything to do with MJ but okay.
I’d say it does because the front office has to get the approval of the owner to give out these contracts. Who in this case is Michael Jordan.
It’s funny when people think someone who is super successful in one area can translate that into expertise in another area.
Michael Jordan was an exceptionally gifted and incredible basketball player. Doesn’t mean he’ll be an instant success as an owner. See Phil Jackson. Championship coach, best all time. Evaluator of talent and general manager not so much.
Why would this have nothing to do with Jordan? It has EVERYTHING to do with him.
as a mavs fan, i would trade for him as he is still a great defensive and athletic player.
They should trade to the Heat for Whiteside to get rim protection.
Williams, Gilchrist, #36,#52 for Whiteside.
Just an off the wall thought.
I would accept this deal in a heartbeat if I were Heat FO. Anything to get Whiteside out.
Why is any thought being given to resigning Kemba Salker dude is over rated. He’s a 3rd player on a greatvteam