A season of disappointment and irritation for Hornets forward Frank Kaminsky, the No. 9 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, continues as sources tell Sporting News that efforts to secure a buyout for Kaminsky to allow him to become a free agent have stalled.

Kaminsky was described as "very frustrated" with the situation.

POWER RANKINGS: Where do Hornets land?

Kaminsky is averaging just 5.2 points in 26 games this season, playing 10.8 minutes per contest. He has appeared in only seven of Charlotte’s last 27 games, amounting to a total of just over 50 minutes in the last two months.

New coach James Borrego has held Kaminsky out of the Hornets’ big-man rotation for most of the season with the exception of a three-week stretch in late November and early December. He’s had 30 DNPs this season, after having just one in the first three years of his career.

Ahead of the trade deadline, multiple teams offered players and picks for Kaminsky, but the Hornets turned down all potential deals.

With no playing time, no trade and now, no impending buyout, Kaminsky seems stuck playing out the season on the bench. He is a restricted free agent this summer.

Kaminsky had the impression that he could work out a buyout and finish the year someplace where he could play more regularly. Teams that were interested in him at the deadline would, naturally, have the chance to sign him on the buyout market.

The Hornets declined to comment on the situation.

MORE: Warriors looking to make move on buyout market

From the team’s perspective, though, the reluctance to grant Kaminsky a buyout stems from concerns about depth. Charlotte has Cody Zeller in the starting slot at center, and Bismack Biyombo has lately gotten the bulk of the backup minutes, replacing Willy Hernangomez.

But, according to sources, there are concerns about Biyombo’s knee and how healthy he will be to close the season and for a potential playoff run. Having Kaminsky on the roster is insurance against any further injuries.

Still, Kaminsky just wants to play, and it’s been clear that’s unlikely to happen in Charlotte. He would like the opportunity to resuscitate his value ahead of this summer.

It was at this time a year ago that, working with former Hornets coach Steve Clifford, Kaminsky had his best NBA stretch. After the 2018 All-Star break, he averaged 12.2 points on 46.8 percent shooting, making 48.8 percent of his 3-pointers. He’s not had a chance to carry that into this season at all, however.

A buyout could change that.