{"id":714563,"date":"2026-04-20T12:17:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T12:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/714563\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T12:17:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T12:17:50","slug":"3-hornets-who-shouldnt-return-for-the-2026-27-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/714563\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Hornets who shouldn’t return for the 2026-27 season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Charlotte Hornets\u2019 jump from a 19\u2011win season to a Play\u2011In berth is a genuine achievement, a sign that the franchise is finally moving in the right direction<\/a>. But after falling to the Orlando Magic and missing the playoffs, the reality is unavoidable: worthwhile progress now requires difficult roster decisions. Several players are likely headed elsewhere before next season begins.<\/p>\n

There is still a clear path to building a true contender around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel, the three pillars of Charlotte\u2019s future. With that core in place, every other piece should be evaluated with a critical eye. For Jeff Peterson, nothing should be off the table as he works to reshape the roster, and these next moves will hinge on identifying which players have become expendable\u2014and why.<\/p>\n

Tre Mann<\/p>\n

Tre Mann\u2019s season became one of the biggest disappointments on the roster. It began as a promising stretch, where his creativity as a shot\u2011maker earned him roughly 20 minutes a night. This was mostly while LaMelo Ball battled ankle issues and Charles Lee experimented with expanded rotations, but it quickly unraveled as the year progressed.<\/p>\n

Once Sion James emerged, Coby White arrived, and the rotation tightened, Mann\u2019s role collapsed. Over the past two months, he\u2019s averaged just four minutes per game, appearing almost exclusively in blowouts. The drop\u2011off isn\u2019t just about opportunity. His numbers back up the coaching staff\u2019s decision. Mann posted a rough 46 percent true shooting despite a high\u2011usage role, eliminating the scoring efficiency that was supposed to be his calling card off the bench.<\/p>\n

Given the combination of diminished production, shrinking opportunity, and the team\u2019s shifting priorities, it\u2019s difficult to envision Mann returning next season. All signs point toward him continuing his career elsewhere<\/a> by the time the 2026\u201327 campaign arrives.<\/p>\n

Miles Bridges<\/p>\n

Miles Bridges inconsistencies showed up in Orlando, and there\u2019s a reason why he\u2019s the active leader in most games played without making the playoffs<\/a>. Bridges is earning $25 million per year, the second\u2011highest salary on the roster, yet his impact doesn\u2019t match that investment. He can score 20\u2011plus on any given night, but the weaknesses are too significant to ignore.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nearly every player on the roster shoots the three better than his 33.3%, a major issue for a team built around spacing and quick\u2011trigger perimeter shooting. Even when he\u2019s left wide open, there\u2019s little confidence the shot will fall.<\/p>\n

The advanced metrics paint the same picture. Per Cleaning The Glass<\/a>, his minus-5.9 on\/off differential ranks in the 23rd percentile league\u2011wide, while every other starter sits at the 73rd percentile or higher. In other words, he\u2019s the clear weak link in an otherwise strong unit.<\/p>\n

Bridges is a solid player, but \u201csolid\u201d isn\u2019t enough for a team trying to break into true contention. Replacing him with a two-way forward or someone who\u2019s stronger beyond the arc could elevate Charlotte\u2019s starting five into the league\u2019s best.\u00a0It’s evident by the Play-In Tournament that the Hornets have to address their frontcourt issues.<\/p>\n

With his contract set to expire next season, the timing to move on makes too much sense to ignore. Bridges is the longest\u2011tenured Hornet, but he has also become the most painfully obvious spot where Charlotte can upgrade its starting lineup.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Grant Williams<\/p>\n

Grant Williams has been a meaningful and reliable part of Charlotte\u2019s rotation<\/a>, offering the kind of versatility coaches love\u2014able to function as a hybrid big, defend multiple positions, and space the floor in virtually any lineup. But if the Hornets look to position themselves for a major (non-wild package) move like pursuing Giannis<\/a>, his situation makes him one of the most logical trade pieces on the roster.<\/p>\n

His $14.2 million expiring contract is exactly the kind of contract teams use to anchor a package for a high\u2011end player. If Charlotte wants to chase a true difference\u2011maker, Williams\u2019 deal becomes a valuable tool, especially since contenders consistently covet three\u2011and\u2011D players like him.<\/p>\n

From a roster\u2011building perspective, the logic is straightforward. Williams is coming off a significant injury, he\u2019s unlikely to be re\u2011signed, and his contract carries enough weight to help facilitate a blockbuster without gutting the core. Williams is the more replaceable player than an elite one. Moving him would give the Hornets more financial flexibility and a cleaner path to absorbing a superstar\u2011level contract.<\/p>\n

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