Examining Hornets' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2026 NBA Free Agency After Magic Loss
After a three-year hiatus, the Charlotte Hornets returned to the postseason picture with a play-in berth. While it wasn't quite the breakthrough season that fans have clamored for, it signifies progress.
After winning only 19 games last season, Charlotte finished above .500 for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Perhaps more importantly, the Hornets showed real growth during the season, overcoming a rocky start, thanks to the efforts of rookie phenom Kon Knueppel.
Now that Charlotte's abbreviated postseason has ended, though, it's time for head coach Charles Lee and executive vice president Jeff Peterson to begin building for the future.
Here, you'll find a look at the Hornets' upcoming salary-cap situation, biggest looming contract decisions, and potential free-agent targets.
2026 Salary Cap
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With Knueppel on a rookie contract and looking like a legitimate centerpiece, the Hornets should be in a good position to build on what they accomplished during the 2025-26 season. It helps that they're slated to have key contributors like Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Miles Bridges under contract next season.
In all, Charlotte is scheduled to have 13 players under contract or facing a team option. It should also have the flexibility to add a significant piece through free agency or the trade market.
The Hornets are projected to be $60.6 million below the first luxury-tax apron and $73.6 million below the more restrictive second apron.
Peterson has a window this year in which he can take a major swing. If he chooses to go the trade route, though, he may have to jettison a player on a pricey expiring contract, like Bridges. Miller will be up for an extension this summer, and Charlotte's financial outlook will substantially tighten after that.
The Hornets are set to have a pair of first-round picks in this year's draft, so they'll have assets that can be used on the trade front.
Top Contract Decisions
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Miller's upcoming extension will likely be the talk of the Hornets' offseason. The second overall pick in the 2023 draft has become a key building block in Charlotte, and while he hasn't emerged as an All-Star talent just yet, me may still command a rookie max extension.
The Hornets also have decisions to make regarding Coby White, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and Moussa Diabaté, who will be a free agent in 2027.
While Charlotte isn't at risk of losing Diabaté this year, his emergence down the stretch has been a big part of the team's success. Locking up the 24-year-old now would make plenty of sense.
Additionally, Xavier Tillman is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, while Pat Connaughton and Antonio Reaves will be restricted free agents.
Free Agents to Pursue
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The Hornets are unlikely to find a legitimate star in free agency, but they can conceivably fill some of their top needs. Ideally, they'll find depth at center and point guard, while adding some additional bench scoring. They may also need a replacement forward if Bridges is on the way out.
Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently listed Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort as a "dream" target for the Hornets—though his availability would hinge on OKC declining the team option on his contract.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis, who will be an unrestricted free agent, might be a more realistic option for Charlotte.
"With the Hornets likely exception shopping, their budget can only stretch so far. But if it stretches far enough to sign Ellis, that'd be money well-spent," Buckley wrote. "He's a career 41.5 percent three-point shooter who routinely handles (and typically pesters) the toughest defensive assignment in the backcourt."
The Hornets should also have some level of interest in the likes of Harrison Barnes, Rui Hachimura, Anfernee Simmons, and Walker Kessler (restricted FA) this offseason.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.
