Charlotte Hornets News

EASTERN SOUTHEAST

Hannes Steinbach • C • Hornets

Hannes Steinbach Leads Charlotte Bench Against Magic

Charlotte Hornets forward/center Hannes Steinbach registered 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal across 22 minutes in Thursday's 86-74 Summer League win over the Orlando Magic. The No. 14 overall pick led Charlotte's bench and shot 4-for-7 from the field while going 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Steinbach averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals at Washington last season, so the rebounding and defensive stats are the key fantasy signals. He still needs a steady regular-season role, but his activity gives him a useful category profile.

15 hours ago

Dorian Finney-Smith • PF • Hornets

Dorian Finney-Smith Unlikely to Suit Up for the Hornets

Charlotte Hornets forward Dorian Finney-Smith is unlikely to ever suit up for his new team, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer reports, now that the salary-dump trade sending him from Houston is official and Charlotte has sent cash considerations to complete it. The Hornets took on his contract purely for draft capital and are expected to waive, buy out, or flip the veteran, making him available to contenders soon. For fantasy, keep expectations low. Finney-Smith is a 33-year-old 3-and-D wing coming off the worst season of his career, as offseason ankle surgery held him to 37 games and a career-worst 27.0 percent from three, far off his 35.9 percent career mark. The only thing to track is where he signs next. Even in a good spot, a healthy Finney-Smith is a back-end 3-and-D wing, not a fantasy piece, and right now he's a long way from healthy and productive.

4 days ago

Dorian Finney-Smith • PF • Hornets

Dorian Finney-Smith Moved to Charlotte

Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. According to Shams Charania, Finney-Smith will go to Charlotte in exchange for three second-round picks. The veteran forward still has three years left on his deal, with the final year being a $13.3 million player option. The Rockets wanted to create cap space, which moving off Finney-Smith's contract certainly does for Houston. The veteran forward had a down year last season, but is normally a viable two-way player. His fantasy value will be dependent on where he shakes out in the rotation.

7 days ago

Royce O'Neale • PF • Hornets

Royce O'Neale Dealt to the Hornets

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale has been traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, according to Shams Charania. The Suns are trading O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and a 2033 first-round pick to Charlotte in exchange for Miles Bridges and a pair of draft picks. The addition of O'Neale is a solid move by the Hornets, even if it doesn't look flashy on paper. Last season, O'Neale averaged career highs in points (9.8) and three-pointers (2.7) while posting 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He's not a superstar player, but should be a solid 3-and-D option for the Hornets. His overall fantasy value will be dependent on where he lands in the rotation.

Jun 28

Grayson Allen • SF • Hornets

Grayson Allen Heads to Charlotte

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen has been traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. According to Shams Charania, Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick will move to Charlotte in exchange for Miles Bridges and two draft picks. Allen will head elsewhere after playing each of the last three seasons in Phoenix. When healthy, Allen is one of the better three-point shooters in the league while playing above-average defense as well. This past season, Allen averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across 28.8 minutes per game in 51 contests. His presence is a welcoming sight for the Hornets, who desperately need perimeter depth after trading LaMelo Ball earlier in the week. He figures to remain a viable fantasy contributor as long as he gets consistent minutes in the rotation.

Jun 28

Coby White • SG • Hornets

Coby White Returning to Hornets on Three-Year Deal

Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White intends to sign a three-year, $74 million deal to return to the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. White is expected to step into a larger role after Charlotte agreed to trade LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota for Naz Reid and draft capital. The 26-year-old averaged 17.4 points, 4.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 threes while shooting 44.6 percent from the field last season. His assists should climb as the new starting guard, while Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel also project for bigger creation roles in Charlotte's reworked offense.

Jun 26

Naz Reid • C • Hornets

Naz Reid Traded to the Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets acquired big man Naz Reid as part of the blockbuster trade sending LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 26-year-old averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from deep for Minnesota last season. Reid's fantasy outlook gets more interesting with the Hornets, especially if Charlotte gives him a bigger frontcourt role after years of sharing touches in Minnesota. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel should see more creation chances with Ball gone, but Reid gives the roster a proven floor-spacing big who can score without needing plays called for him.

Jun 25

Miles Bridges • SF • Hornets

Miles Bridges Could be Available This Summer

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges was the subject of trade rumors this past season. There was speculation that Bridges would be moved at the trade deadline. That didn't happen, but Bridges still might end up being moved ahead of this year's draft. The veteran forward is heading into the final year of his deal and has a $22.8 million cap hit for next season. The Hornets hold two first-round picks and might be able to use one of those and Bridges to move up in the draft. Last season, Bridges averaged 171. points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 31.0 minutes per game in 77 contests. It wouldn't be shocking to see Bridges playing in another uniform next season, but his fantasy value will be dependent on where he lands.

Jun 10

Moussa Diabaté • PF • Hornets

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season

Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate will be back with the team next year after recently having his contract guaranteed by the organization. Diabate is coming off a surprisingly solid season for the Hornets this past season. The big man averaged 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 26.0 minutes per game across 73 games. Diabate emerged as a viable starting center option for the Hornets with 47 starts across his 73 appearances. Ryan Kalkbrenner should continue to push for the starting gig after a decent rookie year. Regardless of who starts, both players should be worth a look as late-round options, with Kalkbrenner having higher overall upside.

Jun 2

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks |

Kon Knueppel • SG • Hornets

Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel Headline All-Rookie Team

The NBA released its 2025-2026 Kia NBA All-Rookie Team on Wednesday. A media panel of 100 voters selects five players to the First-Team and five players to the Second-Team. Unsurprisingly, this year's Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks, was selected to the First-Team. He'll be joined by Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, and Cedric Coward. The Second-Team is headlined by Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey. He's joined by a pair of New Orleans Pelicans in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Collin Murray-Boyles and Maxime Raynaud will round out this year's Second-Team.

May 20

Brandon Miller • SF • Hornets

Brandon Miller has Successful Shoulder Surgery

Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (shoulder) is out indefinitely after he underwent shoulder surgery to address a left shoulder issue. The Hornets aren't in the playoffs, so Miller will have plenty of time to recover before next season. He injured his shoulder early this season, but managed to play through the issue. He finished with an average of 20.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game in 65 contests. He wore a wrap on his shoulder throughout most of this season, but should no longer need that after having successful surgery on Wednesday.

May 6

Coby White • SG • Hornets

Hornets Want to Bring Back Coby White

Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White is set to test the open market this offseason. Although Charlotte will look into bringing back White on a long-term deal. After trading for White at the deadline, Charlotte inherited his Bird rights. That means Charlotte could technically exceed the salary cap to retain White. Given the Hornets' current financial situation, they shouldn't need to do that to re-sign White to a long-term deal. In 21 games with the Hornets, White averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists with nearly a 40 percent shooting performance from deep. It's unclear what kind of role White would have on this team long-term, but his presence could certainly be an asset. White is from the North Carolina area and appears to have enjoyed his time with the organization. It sounds like a reunion could happen, but it depends on what kind of deal White is seeking in free agency.

Apr 19

LaMelo Ball • PG • Hornets

LaMelo Ball Scores 23 Points in Season-Ending Loss

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recorded 23 points (7-for-17 on field goals, 3-for-8 from three, and 6-for-6 on free throws), five assists, and two rebounds in 25 minutes during Friday's Play-In loss to Orlando, ending the Hornets' season. Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 28.0 minutes across 72 games, maintaining strong per-game production despite reduced minutes. His usage remains secure entering next season, with offense flowing through him. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges should continue handling secondary scoring roles alongside Ball's playmaking.

Apr 18

Moussa Diabaté • PF • Hornets

Moussa Diabate is Available on Friday

Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (hip) is available to play ahead of Friday's Play-In game against the Orlando Magic. Diabate will shake the questionable tag and suit up for this elimination contest. The big man finished with eight points and 14 rebounds during the first Play-In victory over the Miami Heat. He played 36 minutes during that game and figures to have a similar role during Friday's game. DFS players should take a look at Diabte as a possible double-double threat against the Magic. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams will see backup minutes behind him, but they won't be as appealing DFS options.

Apr 17

Moussa Diabaté • PF • Hornets

Moussa Diabate Listed as Questionable for Friday

Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate (hip) is considered questionable for Friday's Play-In Tournament matchup against the Orlando Magic. Charlotte may be without its starting center for the win-or-go-home game, as Diabate has landed on the injury report with a sore left hip. The 24-year-old is coming off an eight-point, 14-rebound effort in Tuesday's win over Miami. If Diabate can't get on the floor on Friday, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Grant Williams are likely to get the bulk of the work at center. Xavier Tillman may also enter the rotation.

Apr 16

LaMelo Ball • PG • Hornets

LaMelo Ball Receives $60,000 Fine for Tuesday's Actions

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $60,000 for his actions involving Tuesday's play-in game against the Miami Heat, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. Ball was fined $35,000 "for making unnecessary and reckless contact" with Miami's Bam Adebayo. The Hornets star was not called for a foul during the game, but he was assessed a flagrant foul 2 after the league reviewed the incident, which forced Adebayo to leave the game early with a lower back injury. Additionally, the NBA fined Ball $25,000 for using profane language in a TV interview after the game. Charlotte will be happy to know that Ball was only fined for the Adebayo incident and didn't receive a suspension. The team will hope to see him lead the Hornets into the playoffs for the first time since 2016 with a victory over Orlando on Friday.

Apr 16

Bam Adebayo • C • Heat |

LaMelo Ball • PG • Hornets

NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball's Trip of Bam Adebayo

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is being investigated by the NBA for his trip of Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo (back) in Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. The two collided in the second quarter, and Adebayo exited the game after the incident due to a lower-back injury. Sources have told ESPN's Shams Charania that the NBA has contacted both teams and will interview Ball. A ruling is expected before Friday's play-in game, in which the Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday's Philadelphia-Orlando matchup. It's possible the Ball play will be upgraded to a flagrant foul 1 or 2, but there likely won't be a suspension. Ball scored a game-winning layup in Tuesday's 127-126 overtime victory, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block.

Apr 15

Miles Bridges • SF • Hornets

Miles Bridges Caps Off Big Night With Game-Winning Block

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges had one of his best performances of the season in Tuesday's play-in game against the Miami Heat, contributing 28 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks in a 127-126 overtime win. Bridges' last block of the night came at the buzzer in overtime when Davion Mitchell attempted to win the game for Miami. Early in the contest, Bridges stood out on the offensive end, scoring 10 first-quarter points. He went 10-for-18 from the floor and 5-for-10 from outside during the game. Bridges has averaged fewer than 30 minutes per game since February, but he led the Hornets with 43 minutes on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old will look to make a similar impact in Friday's play-in game, where Charlotte meets the loser of Wednesday's matchup between Orlando and Philadelphia.

Apr 15

LaMelo Ball • PG • Hornets

LaMelo Ball Leads Hornets to Victory Versus Heat

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball played a key role in Tuesday's 127-126 overtime victory in the Play-In Tournament against the Miami Heat. He capped off the big performance with a game-winning layup 4.7 seconds from the end of overtime. Ball ended the contest with 30 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block. He became the fourth player with at least 30 points and 10 assists in a play-in game. However, Ball's scoring was inefficient during the night due to his poor 2-for-16 effort from three-point land. He finished 12-for-31 overall from the field. The Hornets star has now finished three consecutive outings with below 40 percent efficiency from the field. Still, he's done a good job leading his team into Friday's final play-in game and will certainly be heavily involved in the action again on Friday night.

Apr 15

Coby White • SG • Hornets

Coby White Ruled Out Tuesday

Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (groin) is out for Tuesday's game against Boston due to left groin tightness, opening reserve guard minutes with the regular season winding down. Tre Mann could reenter the rotation after a recent DNP, while Sion James may see more run after finishing with five points, one three-pointer, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in his last outing. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller should also handle more creation duties. Mann and James are only deep-league streamers if they crack 15 to 20 minutes, while White can be safely dropped in most redraft formats.

Apr 7

Charlotte Hornets News

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