The Hornets waive Kai Jones after he had requested to be traded.

Charlotte Hornets have waived former first-round draft pick Kai Jones just three days after the center/forward announced on social media that he had requested to be traded.

Jones was not with the Hornets for training camp, with the team citing “personal reasons” in a statement.

The decision came after Jones displayed some bizarre behavior on social media over the last few months, which included criticism of his teammates.

The 19th overall pick in 2021 out of Texas, Jones appeared in 67 games in two seasons with the Hornets, averaging 2.7 points in 9.1 minutes per game.

The Hornets announced last week the 6-foot-11 forward/center would not join the team for training camp following some bizarre behavior on social media, including a mostly indecipherable video on Instagram Live and other criticism of teammates on X.

Kai Jones will not participate in training camp due to personal reasons," the Hornets' statement read. "There is currently not a timetable for his return to the team. Out of respect for the personal nature of the situation, the Hornets will not have any additional public comment regarding the matter at this time."

Jones averaged 2.7 points and 2 rebounds in 67 career games with Charlotte.

The Hornets exercised their team option on Jones in October 2022. The 22-year-old center is owed $3.04 million for the 2023-23 season. He also had a team option worth $4.6 million for the 2024-25 season. He was set to become a restricted free agent in 2025. Jones will enter unrestricted free agency if not claimed on the waiver wire.

New York Knicks on draft day.

The Hornets went 27-55 last season, the first under head coach Steve Clifford, and missed the playoffs for the seventh straight year. They will open their season on Oct. 25 against the Atlanta Hawks.

While it’s unclear specifically what’s going on with Jones, he is now done in Charlotte. Whether another team in the league gives him a chance remains to be seen.

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Sarah H

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