TITLE: Hornets Release Malaki Branham, Create Roster Vacancy
SLUG: hornets-release-malaki-branham-create-roster-vacancy
CONTENT:
The Charlotte Hornets have waived guard Malaki Branham, the club announced Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter), clearing one spot on the 15-man roster.
Branham, 22, landed in Charlotte just after last week’s trade deadline. He moved from the Washington Wizards to the Dallas Mavericks in an eight-player deal headlined by Anthony Davis, then was flipped to the Hornets for Tyus Jones.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard appeared in 28 games for Washington this season, all in a reserve role, and averaged 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds across 9.8 minutes per night. His shooting splits stood at .473 from the field, .378 from three-point range, and .824 at the foul line.
Branham is earning a guaranteed $4,962,033 in the final season of his rookie contract, leaving Charlotte responsible for the remaining salary.
San Antonio drafted the Ohio State product with the 20th overall pick in 2022. He served as a part-time starter for the Spurs during his first two NBA campaigns, but dropped out of the regular rotation last season and was dealt to Washington in July.
By cutting Branham, the Hornets now hold an open roster spot as they consider potential additions from the buyout market in pursuit of a postseason berth. Charlotte has won nine consecutive games and sits 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Source: Hoops Rumors
