Charlotte Hornets allow Malik Monk to become an unrestricted free agent, extend qualifying offer to Devonte’ Graham

While Devonte’ Graham could still be sticking around Charlotte, Malik Monk’s time here is done. As first reported by SI.com's All Hornets, the Charlotte Hornets

While Devonte’ Graham could still be sticking around Charlotte, Malik Monk’s time here is done.

As first reported by SI.com's All Hornets, the Charlotte Hornets extended a qualifying offer to Graham before Sunday's deadline but they did not do so with Monk, making him an unrestricted free agent. Drafting James Bouknight at No. 11 overall on Thursday made the decision to move on from the 23-year-old and allow him to sign elsewhere easier.

Graham is considered a big part of the team’s core and made it known during the tail end of the season that he he wanted to remain with the team. By extending the $4.73 million offer, it gives Charlotte the right to match any deals Graham may receive from another team. The Hornets remain hopeful they can lock up Graham to a long-term pact.

Monk's four-year tenure with the Hornets was filled with peaks and valleys and that inconsistency at times frustrated the staff given his potential. In 233 games, he averaged 9.1 points, two rebounds and 1.8 assists. He made 43 percent of his attempts and 33.9 percent beyond the arc -- numbers the Hornets likely figured would be better than that when they selected him 11th overall in 2017.   

Monk will enter the market and get a fresh start with another team, something that allows the Hornets to use the cap space to plug other holes in their roster during free agency, which begins at 6 p.m. Monday when teams and players can officially start agreeing to terms.