Charlotte Hornets: 3 players not likely to return in 2020-21

1. Bismack Biyombo

The Orlando Magic made a mistake by giving Bismack Biyombo $18 million annually in the summer of 2016. The Hornets compounded that error by re-acquiring the center two years later in a three-team deal.

Biyombo was paid for his potential, rather than for his production to that point in his career. A former lottery pick of the Sacramento Kings’ whose rights were swiftly dealt to Charlotte, Biyombo averaged 4.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during his first stint with the franchise, which lasted four years.

Things haven’t been much better during his second go-around with the franchise. Over the past two years, he’s averaging 5.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game. That includes an average of 7.4 points per game this season, unbelievably a career-high for the Congolese big man.

Whenever next season begins, Biyombo will be 28 years old. His ability to work on the defensive end does not come close to making up for the little he provides on the offensive end. On top of his scoring, Biyombo is shooting just 60.3 percent from the free throw line and has never made a 3-pointer in his career.

Nobody should begrudge Biyombo for getting his money while he can – basketball is a fickle profession and nobody plays for long. But the Hornets can’t wait to get out from under that contract.