2026 free agency will be an important time for the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets are still rebuilding, and they aren’t burdened by any terrible contracts that would prevent them from shaking things up. At the same time, Charlotte should approach free agency with some prudence, especially if it is planning to keep LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller around for a long time on big deals.
The Hornets don’t have to pay Miller again until 2027, but they should be careful not to take on another max deal (or close), unless, of course, it is for someone that’s a top-10 or top-15 player in the NBA.