Since the Spurs announced the signing of Chris Paul back at the start of the free agency negotiating period, things have been unusually quiet on that front for the better part of a week, outside of trade rumors. However, now that free agency is officially open, we at least have one new move. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Spurs are sending point guard Devonte’ Graham and a second round pick to the Charlotte Hornets, who are then expected to waive him, making him a free agent.
While it doesn’t sound like the Spurs are getting anything in return, the Hornets are the ones who will be paying his buyout fee, so that is saved money and an open roster spot.
The San Antonio Spurs are trading guard Devonte Graham and a second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. The Hornets will waive Graham, allowing him to become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/khvOdlyrDy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024
The Hornets pay Graham the $2.85M partial guarantee on his contract and gather up another future pick in the deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024
Graham arrived in San Antonio during the 2022-23 season from the New Orleans Pelicans for Josh Richardson. While he didn’t see much playing time in his season-and-a-half with the Spurs, he was always ready when called upon, and that was never more evident than the Spurs’ thrilling win against the Denver Nuggets in their penultimate game of the season (that may or may not have had direct impact on the playoffs), when the Spurs fought back from 21 points down in the second half, securing the win on a difficult transition layup from Graham with seconds left.
Surely more moves are coming now that players can officially sign contracts, so we’ll keep you posted here. In the meantime, thanks for everything, Devonte’!
