Charlotte Hornets Sign Moussa Diabate to Three-Year Contract

The Charlotte Hornets have officially signed forward Moussa Diabate to a three-year contract, as confirmed by team sources on Sunday. This transition from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal comes after a notable sequence of events involving the team's roster decisions. The Hornets' timing is linked to the recent nixed trade that would have sent center Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal that fell through due to Williams failing a physical.

Diabate, a 6-foot-9 forward, has shown promise during his tenure with the Hornets, averaging 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in 42 games this season. His development has included significant playing time, with several performances featuring double-digit rebounds and multiple double-doubles. The decision to elevate Diabate's contract status indicates a strategic move by the Hornets to enhance their roster stability in light of recent changes.

• Contract Details: Diabate receives a standard three-year NBA contract.
• Performance Summary: Diabate has averaged 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and has recorded 12 games with double-digit rebounds this season.
• Previous Contract: He was initially signed to a two-way contract and was nearing the limit of 50 games allowed for such players.
• Context of Signing: This move follows the failed trade of Mark Williams to the Lakers, which was rescinded after Mark Williams could not pass a physical exam.

The Hornets' decision reflects their ongoing efforts to build a competitive team while also adapting to the fluid nature of player transactions in the NBA. Diabate's development as a consistent contributor may play a crucial role as the Hornets look to navigate the remainder of the season and beyond.