The Charlotte Hornets are heading into the 2025-26 NBA season with a fresh outlook and renewed optimism, thanks to a whirlwind offseason that saw significant roster changes, a successful draft, and a landmark achievement in the NBA Summer League. After a challenging 2024-25 campaign marred by injuries and disappointing results, the Hornets' front office wasted no time reshaping the squad, aiming to turn the page and ignite hope among fans in the Queen City.
Last season, the Hornets finished with a 19-63 record—their worst since the 2004-05 season, when the team posted an 18-64 mark. Injuries played a massive role in their struggles, with star guard LaMelo Ball limited to just 47 games and 2023’s No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller appearing in only 27 contests. The injury bug didn't stop there: Mark Williams, Grant Williams, Tre Mann, Cody Martin, and Nick Richards all missed significant time, leaving the team shorthanded and unable to find any rhythm.
Despite the adversity, the Hornets entered the offseason with a clean slate and a determination to rebuild. The front office, led by general manager Jeff Peterson, orchestrated several key moves. Among the notable additions were Pat Connaughton, Spencer Dinwiddie, Collin Sexton, Mason Plumlee, and Antonio Reeves. On the flip side, the team parted ways with Mark Williams, Josh Okogie, Jusuf Nurkic, Seth Curry, Taj Gibson, and Wendell Moore, while ensuring continuity by re-signing Tre Mann to a three-year, $24 million contract.
The 2025 NBA Draft proved to be a pivotal moment for the franchise. With the No. 4 overall pick, the Hornets selected Kon Knueppel—a player lauded for his shooting prowess and high basketball IQ. As Hot Hot Hoops senior writer Matt Hanifan put it, "Kon Knueppel is a baller. I’ve been high on him since the start of his freshman season. He’s a winning basketball player. For one, he’s one of the best pure shooters in the class. Open, contested, heavily contested—he’s going to shoot lights out with pitch-perfect form paired with a very quick release."
Beyond Knueppel, the Hornets also picked up Liam McNeeley at No. 29, Sion James at No. 33, and Ryan Kalkbrenner at No. 34. Hanifan offered praise for the team’s draft haul, noting Kalkbrenner’s elite shot-blocking ability and James’ intriguing defensive upside. "Sion James is built like a middle linebacker with intriguing defensive chops," Hanifan observed, though he did caution that James "needs to continue to fine-tune his shot." As for McNeeley, Hanifan acknowledged, "Getting him at 29 wasn’t bad if he can be a more efficient shooter and connector."
The Hornets’ draft class made an immediate impact, leading the team to its first-ever NBA Summer League championship. That achievement has injected a dose of excitement and confidence into the organization and its supporters, hinting at the potential of Charlotte’s young core as the regular season approaches.
Charlotte’s front office also demonstrated strategic savvy in the trade market. The team managed to extract value from Jusuf Nurkic—previously considered a negative asset—by acquiring Collin Sexton and a second-round pick in return. In a separate deal, the Hornets took advantage of the Milwaukee Bucks’ need to clear cap space for the Myles Turner signing, landing Pat Connaughton and two future second-round picks in exchange for Vasilije Micic. Hanifan summed up the moves by stating, "They could’ve done much worse than Collin Sexton and a second-round pick—both of which they can flip for more in six months. Charlotte taking advantage of a desperate Milwaukee Bucks team...was great business, too."
Free agent signings Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee were brought in to provide veteran stability, with the expectation that one or both could become trade assets by the deadline. The Hornets’ front office, according to Hanifan, "did a good job collecting assets and working with what they had." The team’s offseason efforts earned a B+ grade from Hot Hot Hoops, a clear sign that Charlotte’s approach has garnered respect around the league.
As of early September, Charlotte’s roster stood at 18 players, meaning further cuts will be necessary before opening night to comply with the NBA’s 15-player standard contract limit. The team is not expected to add any more players, but the front office still has decisions to make as training camp opens on September 30. Rookie Wire provided an early look at the Hornets’ depth chart, projecting LaMelo Ball as the starting point guard, supported by Dinwiddie, Mann, and Nick Smith Jr. Brandon Miller and Collin Sexton are expected to anchor the shooting guard position, while Knueppel, Pat Connaughton, and Liam McNeeley headline the small forward rotation. Miles Bridges, Tidjane Salaün, and the injured Grant Williams round out the power forward spot, with Moussa Diabate, Mason Plumlee, and Kalkbrenner holding down the center position.
Financially, the Hornets have committed significant resources to their core players. LaMelo Ball is set to earn $37,958,760 in 2025-26, while Miles Bridges will make $25,000,000. Other notable salaries include Collin Sexton at $18,975,000, Grant Williams at $13,645,500 (though currently injured), and Brandon Miller at $11,968,000. New additions like Knueppel, Connaughton, and Dinwiddie are also locked in for the upcoming season, giving head coach and management plenty of options as they shape the final roster.
Of course, the biggest question looming over the Hornets is health. The fortunes of the franchise rest squarely on the shoulders of Ball and Miller, whose availability could determine whether Charlotte makes a leap forward or endures another rebuilding year. Hanifan captured the sentiment well: "A lot of its season will be contingent on the health of Ball and Miller, arguably the most important player in the organization right now."
As the Hornets prepare for training camp and the final roster decisions, fans have reasons to be cautiously optimistic. The combination of promising young talent, smart asset management, and a taste of championship success in the Summer League has set the stage for a compelling 2025-26 campaign. The road ahead won’t be easy, but Charlotte’s offseason moves have positioned the team to take meaningful steps forward in the ever-competitive Eastern Conference.
With the season set to tip off soon and all teams starting at 0-0, the Hornets are eager to prove that last year’s struggles are firmly in the rearview mirror. The Queen City faithful will be watching closely as a new era of Charlotte basketball unfolds.
