Hornets announce key $15.1 million Brandon Miller contract decision

The Charlotte Hornets have not had much to cheer about in 2025-26 other than a few solid performances from their 2022 All-Star LaMelo Ball and pair of rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

In an effort to turn their misfortune around, the Hornets' front office recently announced a crucial decision to determine the immediate future of their former No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Brandon Miller.

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the organization revealed that they had decided to keep both Miller and forward Tidjane Salaün around for the 2026-27 season.

"The Charlotte Hornets have exercised their team options on Brandon Miller ($15.1 million) and Tidjane Salaun ($8.24 million) for the 2026-27 season," Scotto shared via X/Twitter on Friday afternoon.

The Hornets had until the Oct. 31 deadline to either exercise their options on the pair of young forwards or let them enter free agency in the summer of 2026.

Miller receiving the option was more of a given than Salaün, as the prior immediately established himself as one of the NBA's best up-and-coming pure scorers through his first two seasons due in large part to his mix of athleticism and jump-shooting ability.

In just two appearances for Charlotte this season, Miller's scoring has taken a dip down to 14.5 points to go along with 4.5 assists on a 40.0% field goal percentage. 

The 22-year-old has already had to deal with a slew of injuries heading into his third season, and that trend has continued, as he recently suffered a left shoulder subluxation against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.

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