Charlotte Hornets
Eastern Conference · Southeast Division
GM: Jeff Peterson
Roster grades based on player performance, contract value, and fan sentiment.
Fan Verdict
Grade this team's roster:
18
Players
13
Transactions
14
Contracts Graded
*(15 active roster + 2 two-way contracts)
Contract Value Index
The Charlotte Hornets are getting outstanding value across the roster, earning a A+ CVI grade across 14 contracts evaluated. 14 contracts grade as positive value (B+ or better), while 0 fall below fair market value. The front office has demonstrated strong financial discipline, finding value throughout the roster. With cap space well-allocated, the team has flexibility for future moves and mid-season upgrades. Of 18 total rostered players, 14 have contracts eligible for CVI evaluation. This is one of the best-managed payrolls in the NBA, positioning the franchise well for sustained success.
Team Performance
The Charlotte Hornets roster grades as average overall, earning a C Performance grade based on 18 graded players. The roster features 1 All-Star caliber performer (A-grade), providing a high-end talent foundation. 4 players grade as quality starters (B-range), 13 as rotation contributors (C-range), and 0 as depth or below (D/F-range). With a star and supporting pieces, the roster has the nucleus to compete, though depth remains a factor. An active offseason with 13 moves shows the front office is aggressively reshaping the roster. The roster needs development from young players or a mid-season upgrade to become a real threat.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Fan and media sentiment around the Charlotte Hornets's offseason has been overwhelmingly negative, earning a F overall sentiment grade. Of 13 graded moves, 0 received positive reactions, 13 were mixed, and 0 drew negative sentiment. The most well-received move was the Malaki Branham acquisition, which earned a C sentiment grade. The most criticized move was the Ousmane Dieng transaction, which received a C sentiment grade. There is widespread concern among fans about the team's direction and decision-making. A significant on-court turnaround would be needed to shift the current negative perception.
Transactions (13)
Charlotte Hornets release F Malaki Branham
Malaki Branham (F)
Charlotte Hornets sign G Pat Connaughton
Pat Connaughton (G)
Charlotte Hornets release Pat Connaughton
Pat Connaughton
Charlotte Hornets release G KJ Simpson
KJ Simpson (G)
Charlotte Hornets sign F Tosan Evbuomwan
Tosan Evbuomwan (F)
Charlotte Hornets release Tosan Evbuomwan
Tosan Evbuomwan
Charlotte Hornets release Gs Pat Connaughton
Gs Pat Connaughton
Charlotte Hornets release Gs Pat Connaughton and Mike Conley
Pat Connaughton and Mike Conley (Gs)
Charlotte Hornets acquire G Malaki Branham via trade
Malaki Branham (G)
Charlotte Hornets acquire F Xaiver Tillman via trade
Xaiver Tillman (F)
Charlotte Hornets acquire F Ousmane Dieng and a second-round draft pick via trade
Ousmane Dieng and a second-round draft pick (F)
Charlotte Hornets acquire Gs Mike Conley and Coby White via trade
Mike Conley and Coby White (Gs)
Charlotte Hornets sign Ousmane Dieng
Ousmane Dieng
Roster (18)
| Name | # | POS | Exp | College | CVI | Perf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 PJ Hall | 16 | C | 1 | Clemson | -- | C |
 Ryan Kalkbrenner | 11 | C | 0 | Creighton | B | C |
 Grant Williams | 2 | PF | 6 | Tennessee | -- | C |
 Miles Bridges | 0 | PF | 6 | Michigan State | C+ | B |
 Moussa Diabate | 14 | PF | 3 | Michigan | C | C |
 LaMelo Ball | 1 | PG | 5 | -- | -- | B+ |
 Tre Mann | 23 | PG | 4 | Florida | D | C- |
 Brandon Miller | 24 | SF | 2 | Alabama | C | B |
 Kon Knueppel | 7 | SF | 0 | Duke | C | C+ |
 Liam McNeeley | 33 | SF | 0 | UConn | C | C- |
 Tidjane Salaun | 31 | SF | 1 | -- | D | C- |
 Tosan Evbuomwan | 20 | SF | -- | Princeton | -- | C |
 Xavier Tillman | 26 | SF | 5 | Michigan State | C- | C- |
 Antonio Reeves | 12 | SG | 1 | Kentucky | C+ | C- |
 Coby White | 3 | SG | 6 | North Carolina | B | B- |
 Josh Green | 10 | SG | 5 | Arizona | D+ | C |
 Pat Connaughton | 21 | SG | 10 | Notre Dame | C- | C- |
 Sion James | 4 | SG | 0 | Duke | C+ | C- |