Hornets Should Pursue Lob Threat Forward in Free Agency

The Charlotte Hornets had a breakout season, finishing with a 44-38 record and making it to the Play-In Tournament, but falling short of the postseason.

The Hornets have their core of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller, with some other solid pieces, but need to upgrade the roster to make a playoff push in the 2026-27 season.

One avenue Charlotte can use to improve the team is free agency, and forward John Collins could be a great fit. Collins is a lob threat who can also space the floor, which would pair well alongside Ball, who is a great playmaker.

In the 2025-26 season, Collins appeared in 69 games, averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and an assist per game. The 28-year-old forward shot 55.2 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three.

Signing Collins would also make it easier to trade forward Miles Bridges. Bridges is entering the final year of his contract, making $22.8 million, which could be a valuable asset in upgrading their center position.

In the 2025-26 season, Bridges averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 46 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from behind the arc.

Collins could provide similar value while being a better shooter than Bridges. He could be a starter at power forward for Charlotte or be a valuable rotational piece off the bench.

Ball would be the main beneficiary of playing with Collins, as he would have a reliable lob threat. 

Ball played at a high level for the Hornets in the 2025-26 season, averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from distance.

The front office has some big decisions to make this offseason with Bridges in the final year of his deal and Coby White entering free agency. White proved to be a key piece down the stretch, but will have multiple suitors. 

Given his fit and the flexibility it could create with trades, Charlotte must consider signing Collins in free agency as they look to become a playoff team next season.

Hornets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hornets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.