Hornets' Kai Jones has 'murky' status after bizarre posts

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The Hornets are mum about what is going on with Kai Jones, and it is raising eyebrows about whether he will be with the team in the short term.

Jones’ status with the team is “a bit murky,” according to the Charlotte Observer, which notes he hasn’t participated in the Hornets’ optional player drills in recent weeks and that it’s unknown if he will be on the court when training camp begins next week.

Viewers were concerned earlier this month when Jones went viral on IG Live while sweating profusely and for the most part speaking too quickly to be understood.

The one thing that could be made out was that he said he doesn’t think he’s getting traded.

Jones later denied being under the influence at the time.

“I was not on drugs or intoxicated I was enjoying my night in my crib y’all bugging💯💕🦋🐐 #GOATLIFE” he tweeted.

Jones was later asked if he believed that he was better than teammates LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and he answered: “I’ve had a higher fg% than those guys since I came out the womb and none of them can guard me so know your ball before you talk to the one in here MF.”

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford was asked about Jones’ social media activity Tuesday at a luncheon.

"If I get that call on my phone, I will have my bye, but I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon."

Kai Jones appears to be saying on his IG Live that the Hornets will not trade him 🤔pic.twitter.com/7ZBPfYloEf

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 7, 2023

“We are aware of the social media posts and it’s a situation that’s been handled internally,” Clifford said while declining to further address the matter.

Jones was selected 19th overall by the Knicks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft and traded that night to the Hornets for a future first-round pick.

He appeared in 46 games as a reserve last season and averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game for the Hornets.

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