Charlotte Hornets Acquire Draft Capital in Deal With Houston Rockets

The Charlotte Hornets are continuing to make moves as they are acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets were looking to salary-dump Finney-Smith, who has one year of guaranteed salary remaining on his $13.3 million contract.

Finney-Smith was a big free agency signing for Houston in the 2025 offseason, but he struggled mightily in the 2025-26 season. The 33-year-old forward averaged 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and an assist per game, shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 27 percent from three.

The Hornets may opt to play him as a rotational veteran off the bench, but if not, he is an expiring salary who they've acquired three second-round picks to take on.

Charlotte has been active in acquiring draft capital this offseason, as they sent LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks.

After these moves, the Hornets now own 20 second-round picks over the next seven years and have the second-most tradeable picks of any team in the NBA.

This gives Charlotte's front office the flexibility to make a splash around the duo of Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. Knueppel is a great building block for the Hornets, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from behind the arc.

The 20-year-old finished in second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Cooper Flagg. Knueppel will pair nicely on the wing long-term with Brandon Miller, who had a great third season in the NBA, averaging 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from deep.

Jeff Peterson and Charlotte's front office have been active this offseason and retooling the roster. They have a ton of young talent and a competitive team that could be in contention for a playoff or play-in spot in the 2026-27 season.

However, while they may not be contenders yet, the Hornets have the young talent and draft capital to be a great team in the long term.

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