Charlotte Hornets power forward Montrezl Harrell is reportedly facing felony drug charges stemming from an arrest that occurred in May. According to The Charlotte Observer, police records indicate Harrell was arrested on the morning of May 12 during a traffic stop in Richmond, Kentucky.
According to the report, Harrell was pulled over on I-75 for following the car in front of him too closely. Trooper Jesse Owens indicated he smelled marijuana coming from Harrell's car after pulling him over. The Hornets player admitted to having the drug in his possession and “produced a small amount” of marijuana from his sweatpants. Police searched the rest of Harrell's vehicle and discovered a large quantity of marijuana, reportedly around three pounds, in sealed baggies in his trunk, per the police report.
The Charlotte Observer indicates that Harrell was charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana. That crime is considered a Class D Felony under Kentucky state law and is punishable by 1-5 years in prison along with a fine ranging from $1,000-$10,000.
Harrell is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason after spending the 2021-22 NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets, who acquired him at the trade deadline in a deal with the Washington Wizards. He made $9.73 million last season according to Spotrac, and has pocketed a total of $34.1 million throughout his career in the league.
In 71 games last season, playing for both the Wizards and Hornets, Harrell averaged 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. In his 25-game stint coming off the bench for the Hornets, Harrell posted averages of 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while playing 21.0 minutes per night.