Report: Hornets declining 4th-year option on Bouknight

The Charlotte Hornets are declining James Bouknight's fourth-year option for the 2024-25 season, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Bouknight's option for his fourth year was worth $6.1 million, Charania adds.

The 23-year-old guard hasn't played a game in his third season due to a meniscus injury that's expected to keep him out until November.

In 65 career games over two campaigns, Bouknight has averaged 5.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. The Hornets drafted the former UConn product 11th overall in the 2021 draft after the combo guard averaged 18.7 points in his sophomore collegiate season.

Kai Jones, the franchise's No. 19 pick in the same draft, was waived earlier in October.

Meanwhile, Charlotte exercised center Mark Williams' third-year option.

The Hornets have started the campaign 1-2 and are set to play the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.