Every Charlotte Hornet Poised to Hit Free Agency After This Season

The Charlotte Hornets remade their roster heading into the 2026-27 season, but it had very little to do with free agency. In fact, the Hornets had just one major free agent in Coby White, whom they re-signed for three years. The other changes were self-inflicted via trade.

That's not the case every year, though. The Hornets were lucky enough to have very few free agents last year, and that allowed them to keep the players they wanted to keep without a whole lot of fuss. That's not going to happen this time next year.

That's because the Hornets have a few impactful free agents. First, and chief among them, is Brandon Miller. He will hit restricted free agency next offseason if an extension is not reached before that happens.

It remains highly likely that he will get an extension, though. Miller is the face of the franchise. There are inklings that he'll be taken care of before the season, but even if not, it's almost impossible to think the Hornets would mess with restricted free agency, even if it's not been kind to players (Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Duren, for example) lately.

The next-biggest is Moussa Diabaté. The young center has really broken out, going from a two-way contract to an NBA deal. That NBA deal expires after this season, though. An extension is unlikely, and the Hornets will likely look at how their remade frontcourt performs until the trade deadline to make a decision on keeping him.

Grant Williams is another notable player hitting free agency. He's on an expiring contract, which also makes him a plausible trade candidate. It's difficult to predict whether or not he'll be back, but it's possible since the Hornets like him and he likes playing at home.

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) passes the ball against Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pat Connaughton had his team option picked up this offseason, which means he'll hit free agency next offseason. However, he is a likely cut candidate to consolidate the roster, so he might not be on the team much longer.

Additionally, Grayson Allen has a player option at over $19 million. He will probably opt in and remain with the Hornets, but if he has a really good year, he might opt out to get a better contract in free agency.

The Hornets have team options they can exercise on Kon Knueppel, Tidjane Salaün, Tre Mann, and Liam McNeeley. It would be shocking if they did not pick up the options, although Mann might be destined for free agency and a declined option if he does not improve.

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