DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a possible landing spot for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who finalized his buyout with the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim McMahon were the first on the report.
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, 2020The Mavs have struggled with their reserve perimeter defense on the wing, but after searching the trade market for a solution decided not to give up any of their limited assets, and keep their core together.
With the buyout market now in full swing, Dallas can acquire a solid piece without having to relinquish any of those assets, and with minimal financial risk.
Kidd-Gilchrist, who is represented by Leon Rose, was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft but has had a difficult career path since then.
After being mired in a no-win situation over the last seven years with the Hornets, Kidd-Gilchrist could become a reclamation project for the Mavs, who have had proven success in that area with the likes of Al-Farouq Aminu, and more recently Seth Curry, who parlayed a successful 2016-17 season with the Mavs into a solid deal with the Portland Trailblazers, before coming back to Dallas as a free agent this past summer.
For his career, Kidd-Gilchrist averages 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds on 47.5-percent shooting. His best season came during the 2014-15 campaign when he averaged 10.7 points and 6.4 rebounds on 54.1-percent from the field.
Kidd-Gilchrist must clear waivers before Dallas can sign him to a reasonable contract.
