NBA athletes are exactly that – athletes. In any professional sport, a player’s athletic qualities matter. Yet, they aren’t the only thing that matters. A player needs to have an understanding of the game, and a good attitude in order to truly thrive.
With that in mind, Kai Jones of the Charlotte Hornets certainly has an impressive athletic profile. His combination of size and vertical leap is remarkable. As a result, Jones’ potential is tantalizing. What else does he bring to the table?
We’re not sure. It seems like there are concerns about Jones’ character. He recently took to social media to criticize some of his teammates. Even more recently, he has formally requested a trade from the team. Here are three teams that we think could take a flyer on him.
Washington Wizards
Spoiler alert: rebuilding teams make sense for Jones. A team that’s focused on accumulating young talent would be the most logical landing spot for him. Enter the Washington Wizards. Having traded Bradley Beal this summer, they’re in the infancy stages of a rebuild.
Why not take a flyer on Jones? In light of the circumstances, his trade value is likely in the gutter. If he doesn’t work out in Washington, there’s no harm done. If he does, this could be a coup for the Wizards. After all, Jones is one of the more impressive athletes in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kai Jones, Charlotte Hornets & Washington Wizards Updates
If the Wizards have reservations about him, they’ll have the same reservations that anybody else will. The Wizards could be concerned about adding a questionable locker room presence. If that’s not how they want to kick off their rebuild, that’s fair enough. Could another newly rebuilding team prioritize his talent?
Portland Trail Blazers
Granted, this is a less obvious fit. Jones is a combo big, but his most natural position is likely the five. If you didn’t know, the Portland Trail Blazers have plenty of 5s. Between Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III, they may already have a logjam at that position.
So what? The Blazers are rebuilding. They need to accumulate young talent regardless of fit. Jones can co-exist with either for spells at the four. More broadly, Portland can trade any one of the trio at the deadline. At the cost they’ll pay to acquire Jones, that’s a small problem.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kai Jones, Charlotte Hornets & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
On the other hand, Jones’ potential locker room issues are a larger one. The Blazers could have the same concerns regarding the talented young big man. If they did, could a contender step up and take a chance on Jones?
Boston Celtics
One of these things is not like the other. We’re well aware. The Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers just began rebuilding. By contrast, the Boston Celtics are among the league’s foremost title contenders. Could they find a use for Jones?
It’s possible. Contending teams like the Celtics need low-cost talent. Boston has a lot of money tied to their hyper-talented core. If they’re going to upgrade their roster, they may need to target a risky player like Jones. Otherwise, it’s difficult to imagine whose contract the Celtics would trade to upgrade their roster. The team’s highest-paid players are all integral to their success in 2023-24.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kai Jones, Charlotte Hornets & Boston Celtics Updates
Meanwhile, the Celtics did just move Williams III. Jones could be a cost-friendly replacement. If the Celtics are willing to take a risk on bringing him into the locker room, this could make sense. In spite of everything else, Jones is an incredible athlete.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
