Charlotte Hornets center Montrezl Harrell. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Hornets' Montrezl Harrell facing felony drug charges after May traffic stop

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/13/22

Charlotte Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell is reportedly facing serious charges after a traffic stop last month in Richmond, Kentucky.

Harrell, 28, was pulled over on May 12 for following a vehicle in front of him too closely. According to trooper Jesse Owens' report, Harrell admitted to having a small amount of marijuana. A search of Harrell's vehicle revealed "three pounds of marijuana in a vacuum-sealed bag."

Hornets center Montrezl Harrell was scheduled to be arraigned Monday. https://t.co/27G4YYplT1
— The Charlotte Observer (@theobserver) June 13, 2022

Harrell has been charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana, a Class D Felony in Kentucky.

For first-time offenders, the charge is punishable by one-to-five years in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $10,000.

The Hornets acquired Harrell in a February trade with the Washington Wizards in exchange for Vernon Carey Jr. and Ish Smith.

In his first season with the Hornets, Harrell averaged 11.4 PPG, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 25 games.

The Houston Rockets drafted Harrell in the second round of the 2015 NBA draft. He's played seven NBA seasons for the Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Wizards, and Hornets.

For his career, Harrell has averaged 12.9 PPG, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 458 games.

Harrell will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after finishing the final year of a two-year, $18.9M deal originally signed with the Lakers in 2020.

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