Charlotte Hornets 2026 Mock Offseason

I made all of the decisions for the Hornets this offseason.

One of my favorite offseason pastimes is the “Mock Offseason” exercise. Here’s a quick rundown of how I would approach this offseason, from the Draft, to free agency, and even some of my favorite trade ideas. Starting with the draft... we’re on the clock.

Draft Night

Pick 14: Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan

I don’t know if he’ll really fall to us on Draft night, but I do know that he’s the perfect piece for us of who I project to be available. He’s one of the best athletes in the class, has a superb frame, great defensively inside and out, and (though not super developed) a very efficient offensive game. He rebounds at a high clip, making him a very palatable player for Charles Lee’s desire to not give up second chance possessions. The three-point shot leaves some to be desired, but the flashes are there, given his >34% rate this past season.

Pick 18: Cameron Carr, W, Baylor

The Baylor man is a 6’5 wing with a whopping 7’1 wingspan. He was forced to create a lot at Baylor given their lack of offensive initiators, which led to same red flags about his efficiency and turnover rate. That being said, he still managed to shoot 39% from three on good volume, and proved his value as a play finisher on both ends of the floor. He’s not an elite defender, but he can stick a guy. He needs to fill out his frame, but this run and gun style of wing is hard to not want to pair with LaMelo Ball.

Carr would give the bench unit some serious offensive pop to pair alongside their young pair of rotation defenders (Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner).

Free Agency

I heavily debated whether or not to send offer sheets at guys like Mitchell Robinson or Isaiah Hartenstein (assuming he was waived), but I elected to just make the following move:

Coby Signs for $54 Million over 3 years.

White quickly showed his value in the small sample size of games he played after the 2026 trade deadline, and keeping this talented of a guard to backup LaMelo Ball (especially given his record of games played…) is absolutely crucial. I want to maintain financial flexibility moving forward, either to make moves to take on more contracts for picks, or to make a splash next offseason in free agency.

Trade Idea:

Hornets Receive: Cameron Johnson

Nuggets Receive: Josh Green, Second Round Pick(s)

I’m not sure where the Nuggets value Cam Johnson anymore, but this move creates over $8 Million in cap room for a Nuggets team who’s trying to resign Peyton Watson to a new contract. The Hornets take on an annoying Nnaji contract using an exception made in the Tyus Jones deal this trade deadline. If the Nuggets asked for a future second round pick or two, I’d do it. Johnson is a solid rental for us, and would provide a nice boost off the bench as a scorer, or could start at the 4 if Miles Bridges were to be traded at some point. This move could also include Charlotte taking on Strawther or Nnaji’s contracts, if Denver would rather that than receive draft capital.

Alternative Trade Idea:

Hornets Receive: Jerami Grant

Trail Blazers Receive: Miles Bridges

Chicago Bulls Receive: Tre Mann, 2027 Second Round Pick (via NOP)

In this deal, the Hornets take on Jerami Grant in exchange for Miles Bridges and Tre Mann, as well as one of the “free picks” we’ve assimilated over Jeff’s years here. Grant would instantly be an upgrade for the front court, and is a more reliable creator and floor spacer than Miles. You do have to pay his 2-year, $70 million contract, but are rewarded with a proven NBA veteran and an extra roster spot.

Final Roster:

Guards: Ball, White, James

Wings: Knueppel, Miller, Carr, McNeeley

Forwards: Miller, Bridges, Johnson, Williams, Salaün

Bigs: Diabate, Kalkbrenner, Johnson Jr

The Hornets still have north of $50 Million in expiring contracts, allowing them flexibility looking at the deadline, and at free agency in the 2027 offseason. We added a valuable veteran floor spacer in Cameron Johnson, and two rookies who can immediately contribute off the bench on both ends of the floor.

Win-Loss Prediction: 46-36

End Season Standing: 7-8th Seed