The Charlotte Hornets finished the 2025-26 season with a 44-38 record after losing in the play-in tournament.
How the Hornets improved from last season
The team more than doubled its win total from the previous year, surpassing a preseason projection of 26.5 wins. Charlotte posted a 33-16 record since January 1, driven by greater lineup consistency and contributions from its 2025 draft class.
What the Hornets enter the offseason with
Charlotte holds two top-20 picks in the 2026 NBA draft and has 13 players under contract for next season. The roster includes seven players who started in at least 65 games this season, reducing the number of different starting lineups used from 45 last year to 19 this season.
Financial flexibility ahead of free agency
Outside of LaMelo Ball, no Hornets player earns more than $23 million. Adding the two first-round picks will bring the roster to 14 players with salaries between $2.4 million and $22.9 million. Charlotte is $43.4 million below the luxury tax and has three trade exceptions valued at $8.2 million, $7 million, and $2.3 million.
Key offensive contributions from young players
Rookie Kon Knueppel led the league in three-pointers made with 270 and became the first rookie to achieve that feat. Knueppel, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner combined for 27% of the team’s offense, averaging 31.4 points per game.
Who are the Hornets’ key free agents this offseason?
Coby White is an unrestricted free agent with Bird rights, making him eligible for re-signing by Charlotte.
What draft assets do the Hornets have for future trades?
Charlotte owns seven tradable future first-round picks, including a potential three selections in the 2027 NBA draft.