A pair of players pegged as part of the Charlotte Hornets’ young core will remain under the team’s full control beyond this season.
In an expected move, the Hornets exercised the 2026-27 options on the respective rookie contracts of Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaün prior to Friday’s deadline.
Advertisement
Miller inked a four-year, $49.3 million deal after the Hornets selected him second overall behind Victor Wembanyama in 2023, and next season will be the final year of his pact, leaving him eligible for a rookie extension next offseason leading into the day before the 2026-27 campaign tips off.
When exactly the 22-year-old swingman will return to the Hornets’ rotation this season remains unclear, though he’s been progressing and doing some on court work over the past few days since suffering a left shoulder subluxation in Saturday’s loss in Philadelphia. Miller was injured early in the second quarter while guarding Quentin Grimes, extending his arm trying to fight through a screen while slipping simultaneously on his left foot on a wet spot on the floor.
He’s out for Saturday night’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ensuring he’ll miss his fourth straight game. However, from all indications, Miller’s injury isn’t believed to be a long-term issue.
Tidjane Salaün’s status with the Hornets
Salaün, in the second season of a four-year pact worth $34 million, is scheduled to earn $8.2 million in Year 3. The Hornets also hold a club option for 2027-28.
Hornets forward Tidjane Salaün throws down a two-handed dunk against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 22, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The Hornets defeated the Nets 136-117.
Drafted sixth overall in 2024, through 65 career games, Salaün has shown flashes at times on both sides of the ball while averaging 5.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He’s appeared in the Hornets’ five games in 2025-26, posting four points and collecting 4.8 rebounds.
Advertisement
In comparison to the numbers during his rookie season, Salaün is connecting on his attempts at a much better rate leading into their outing versus Minnesota, draining 42.9% overall and nailing 50% from 3-point range.
But there are still plenty of peaks and valleys with Salaün. He didn’t score in Thursday’s loss to Orlando, hoisting only one attempt in 7:14 of action, and he struggled on defense.
More consistency from the Frenchman is something the Hornets want to see.
“His points of emphasis are defensively to just try to bring some impact there,” coach Charles Lee said following the game. “The guy on the ball is always the most important thing that we talked about, understanding who you’re guarding and what your shift activity should look like. Am I on a guy that’s a hot shooter? Normal closeout or a cold guy?
Advertisement
“And then rebounding, I think he’s had some really good, physical defensive rebounds. But when he’s in there and he’s active, his length and activity can really change our defense.
“So, defensive impact, No. 1, and then offensively catch-and-shoot threes and then quick decisions. If the play isn’t to shoot, the next decision should be, ‘How do I keep connecting the team and getting into some after actions?’ So, I’ve seen some good strides there. But … a little bit of a rough evening (Thursday) for him.”