Ex-NBA Sixth Man Of The Year Facing Felony Drug Charges, Facing Stiff Sanctions

It may be the offseason for Montrezl Harrell of the Charlotte Hornets but the 28-year-old may have a long road ahead.

According to court records, the 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee is facing felony drug charges that were tied to a traffic stop in Richmond, Ky. last month. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday at 9:00 a.m.

At the time, the 6-foot-7 NBA player was pulled over by a Kentucky state trooper at around 9:58 a.m. This was after Harrell was traveling southbound on I-75 and followed a vehicle in front of him too closely.

When he pulled over, state trooper Jesse Owens smelled the odor of marijuana coming from Harrel’s car, a 2020 Honda Pilot. The NBA player admitted to being in the possession of marijuana and produced some coming from his sweatpants.

However, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, state troopers found three pounds of marijuana that were in vacuum-sealed bags stashed in a backpack in the backseat.

Harrell would be charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana.

Under Kentucky law, possessing or trafficking eight or more ounces but less than five pounds of marijuana is a Class D Felony for first-time offenders. It is punishable by 1-5 years of incarceration with a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Hornets declined to comment on the matter.

Harrell, who joined the Hornets following a trade with the Washington Wizards that also involved Ish Smith and Vernon Carey Jr., is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Known for his hard work and key contributions, Harrell made a good account of himself with the Hornets. He normed 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and two assists per game.

Harrell will be one of the interesting free agents to watch this summer. It remains to be seen if this case will factor in determining where the 2013 NCAA champion will play for the 2022-23 NBA season.