NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Montrezl Harrell #8 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets big man Montrezl Harrell is in hot water today after authorities found marijuana in his car during a traffic stop. The 28-year-old is now facing felony charges related to drug trafficking.
According to officials, Harrell was pulled over in Richmond, Kentucky in early May for driving behind a vehicle too closely. The state trooper allegedly smelled marijuana in the vehicle and conducted a search. Three pounds of marijuana were found in vacuum-sealed bags inside a backpack in the backseat. Harrell was then charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana. These charges could lead to five years in prison if he is convicted.
Harrell has been somewhat of a journeyman during his time in the NBA. The 28-year-old was a star during his time at the University of Louisville. Being selected to the All-ACC team twice, winning a national championship in 2013 and winning the inaugural Karl Malone award given to the nation’s top power forward in 2015. He was then selected with the 32nd pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. After a disappointing tenure with the Houston Rockets, he was traded to the Clippers in a blockbuster deal involving Chris Paul.
Harrell’s time with the Clippers was extremely productive, increasing his scoring average every season in L.A. Harrell averaged a career-high 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks off the bench in 2020. This performance was good enough to earn him Sixth Man of the Year Honors and the NBA Hustle Award that season.
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Harrell signed with the Lakers during the 2020 NBA Finals and was subsequently traded to the Wizards a year later. He was dealt to the Hornets during the traded deadline and only played 25 games with the team, all appearances coming off the bench. The Hornets have declined to comment on the Harrell arrest, however, he was due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Harrell is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 13.
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