If the Charlotte Hornets want to make a play for a star forward or center to complement the high-scoring trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, they’ve got the resources.
We’re not weighing the value of expiring salaries here, but just as an illustration of Charlotte’s position, consider this idea: Conservatively, it could attach Nos. 14 and 18 in the 2026 draft to $50 million in expiring salary (Miles Bridges, Josh Green and Grant Williams all come off the books after 2026-27) and draw the attention of any rebuilder looking to move a big name.
If those picks aren’t enticing enough, the Hornets could dip into a war chest that also includes a top-two protected 2027 first-rounder from the Dallas Mavericks and a top-14 protected 2027 first from the Miami Heat. That latter pick may not convey next year, and Charlotte is probably rooting for the Heat to be middling enough to keep it.
Charlotte will find itself in possession of a totally unprotected 2028 Miami first in that hypothetical, probably enough to justify moving up toward the top two in these rankings.
In all, the Hornets control every one of their own future firsts, can trade up to seven total firsts this offseason and even possess 14 incoming second-rounders.
