The Charlotte Hornets look to turn their fortunes around next season, and their star players will have to prove their worth.
The Charlotte Hornets have tried for years to become a successful franchise in the NBA. However, luck has not been in their favor.
In recent years, they’ve shown signs of promise. And under Hornets’ head coach Charles Lee, they seem to have the foundation for what could be a strong roster.
The Hornets have built their roster around LaMelo Ball for the last few years. However, LaMelo has struggled with injuries after his rookie year.
But now, as LaMelo has worked to get healthy, the Hornets have been able to put together a strong roster, one that has significant financial backing.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images2025-26 Charlotte Hornets payroll and player salaries
The Charlotte Hornets are building a long-term project, with LaMelo Ball being their clear star for the future.
This is what the Charlotte Hornets’ salary structure looks like:
Player2025-26 SalaryLaMelo Ball$37,958,760Miles Bridges$25,000,000Collin Sexton$18,975,000Josh Green$13,666,667Grant Williams$13,645,500Brandon Miller$11,968,400Kon Knueppel$10,015,680Pat Connaughton$9,423,869Tre Mann$8,000,000Tidjane Salaun$7,863,240Spencer Dinwiddie$3,634,153Mason Plumlee$3,634,153Liam McNeely$2,763,960DaQuan Jeffries$2,743,776Nick Smith$2,710,303Sion James$2,296,274Ryan Kalkbrenner$2,296,274Moussa Diabate$2,270,735Antonio Reeves (Two-Way)$636,435Drew Peterson (Two-Way)$636,435KJ Simpson (Two-Way)$636,435Total:$180,776,048Charlotte Hornets have a roster to compete in the Eastern Conference
The Charlotte Hornets have the talent on paper to be able to compete in the Eastern Conference next season, especially given how weak it has gotten.
With teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers all losing their star players heading into the new season, there is an opening for new teams to earn playoff spots.
LaMelo Ball isn’t the only talented player that the Hornets have. Brandon Miller is also set to have an exciting season after struggling with injuries last year.
As is rookie Kon Knueppel, who looks to be the perfect fit for the Hornets. Expect the Charlotte Hornets to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.