The Charlotte Hornets have officially converted Moussa Diabate's contract to a standard three-year deal, marking a significant milestone in the 23-year-old forward's career. The announcement came on Sunday, as the Hornets aim to solidify their roster after a failed trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Diabate, standing at 6-foot-9, has showcased his potential throughout his debut season with the team.
Diabate's performance this season has been promising, averaging 4.7 points and 7.1 rebounds over 42 games. His ability to consistently deliver on the court is evident with 12 games where he has achieved double-digit rebounds and four double-doubles. Originally a second-round draft pick, Diabate's growth and contribution have not gone unnoticed by the Hornets' management.
The decision to secure Diabate on a long-term basis arrives in the wake of a scrapped trade deal with the Lakers. The Hornets were set to expand Diabate's role in the frontcourt following the completion of the trade. However, the arrangement fell through when Mark Williams, a key player in the proposed trade, failed a physical conducted by the Lakers. Williams, who is 7-foot tall, was expected to make way for Diabate's increased involvement.
Despite the setback, the Hornets have expressed confidence in Diabate's future contributions to the team. While the exact terms of his contract remain undisclosed, the commitment underscores the Hornets' intent to invest in Diabate's development and maximize his potential on the court.
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