Hornets waiving former lottery pick James Bouknight

This is one of several moves the Hornets made at the trade deadline, also sending power forward P.J. Washington to the Dallas Mavericks and small forward Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are next expected to buy out the contract of point guard Kyle Lowry.

Bouknight, 23, was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but never was able to become a regular rotation piece. He carries career averages of 4.8 points on just 36 percent shooting, including 34 percent on 3-pointers, in 79 appearances.

Along with that, he ran into some legal issues, getting arrested for a DWI at the start of last season. He then underwent surgery for a meniscus injury in October, delaying his debut in 2023-24.

He will be eligible to sign with anyone after clearing waivers.

Charlotte declined his fourth-year option for next year, but the $4.57 million he’s owed will still count toward the salary cap. That deal is expiring at the end of the season.