As the Charlotte Hornets build for a long-term title run, a looming All-NBA leap could force the front office into a massive financial commitment to secure their franchise centerpiece.
The Charlotte Hornets are ascending, and the front office will have to figure out how to put some pieces of its puzzle together to build a winner for the long haul.
After hitting on their draft picks in 2025, the Hornets are set to draft two players in the first round this summer. Charlotte needs a forward who can play defense, and that will likely be what they do with the No. 14 pick.
The Hornets must decide if they want to bring back point guard Coby White. White is expected to command a salary between $50 to $75 million per season, which could be too much for a player who came off the bench in the second Play-In Tournament game.
Charlotte has LaMelo Ball under contract for three more seasons, but that doesn't mean the front office might not be proactive this summer.
Bobby Marks of ESPN noted that Ball can sign a contract extension this summer. While the Hornets don't have to make a deal happen in haste, they could be on the books for a lot more money, to the tune of $300 million for four years, if Ball has an incredible showing next season.
"Ball has three years left and is eligible to sign a two-year, $119.2 million extension," Marks wrote. "Considering that Ball has three years left on his contract, there should not be a sense of urgency to get a deal done.
"However, in the scenario that Ball earns All-NBA in 2026-27, he would become eligible to sign a four-year, $300 million extension next summer."
Ball, 24, averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists last season. He played in 72 games and started 69, the second-most in his career. He started and played in 75 games for the 2021-22 campaign.
It's unlikely Ball makes All-NBA for next season, but the Hornets can't rule it out. He could be poised for a breakout season if Charlotte makes an aggressive push this summer.
The Hornets were a much better team with Ball healthy, making the Play-In Tournament with a young core of players. With another year under head coach Charles Lee, this team could make it to the playoffs next year.
