The Charlotte Hornets are finalizing a contract buyout with former No. 2 overall pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Wojnarowski also reported the Dallas Mavericks are expected to purse Kidd-Gilchrist once he clears waivers:

Kidd-Gilchrist has played in just 12 games this year. He's averaged 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in just over 13 minutes per game.

The 26-year-old has had quite the turbulent career in Charlotte. Kidd-Gilchrist made the All-Rookie Second Team during the 2012-13 season, but he struggled to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone due to injuries and offensive inconsistencies.

Last year might have marked the beginning of the end. Kidd-Gilchrist saw a precipitous decline in playing time and hinted at being unhappy on a number of occasions. Of course, it did not hurt knowing he still had a $13 million player option for the 2019-20 campaign.

There is still reason to believe Kidd-Gilchrist could provide value to a contender. Although the numbers might indicate otherwise this season, MKG is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions make things tough for opposing wing players.

This would certainly benefit Dallas, a team lacking a stout defensive presence on the wing. Though Kidd-Gilchrist might not be the best of fits for an offense so reliant on spacing, he figures to improve a team defense currently ranked 20th in defensive rating, according to Basketball Reference.

There is little risk for the Mavericks. Kidd-Gilchrist offers valuable size, and he can also get in the trenches and rebound. Perhaps he could revive his career playing for an emerging contender.