The Charlotte Hornets took major strides during the 2025-26 season, going on an impressive run once the calendar flipped to 2026 and finishing with 44 wins, the most for the franchise in a decade, and making the NBA's play-in tournament for the first time in four years.
With impressive young players like Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, along with star point guard Lamelo Ball, it appeared that the Hornets were on the track to serious contention in the Eastern Conference.
But Thursday's stunning trade of Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves was an obvious signal that the franchise did not believe in Ball's ability to lead the team any further than they had gotten. It's also an obvious signal that they believe Miller can be the face of the franchise moving forward.
Sources: The Minnesota Timberwolves are acquiring Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball in exchange for for Naz Reid, a first round pick, three first round pick swaps and three second round picks. pic.twitter.com/Ya9AdOLwFS
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 25, 2026
The Charlotte Hornets are now Brandon Miller's team after stunning LaMelo Ball trade
Miller now has the keys in Charlotte. Along with Knueppel and the trade deadline acquisition of Coby White, the Hornets will remain a team to be taken seriously in the Eastern Conference. The addition of Naz Reid in the Ball trade fixes one of the Hornets' biggest issues from a season ago.
Miller is coming off an impressive third NBA season. After a slow start as he worked his way back from shoulder surgery, Miller ultimately averaged over 20 points per game while knocking down a career-best 38% from three and 89% from the free throw line.
With Ball out of the way, Miller will be freed up for even more opportunities to have the ball in his hand. If he can continue to grow as a playmaker, then it's not hard to envision Miller making the jump into being an All-Star in 2026-27. He'll certainly be given the opportunity to do that.
This is just the first signal of the franchise building around Miller now. The soon-to-be 24-year-old is in line for his rookie-scale extension this offseason that could be valued up to five years and $252 million.
The Hornets seem poised to get a deal done with Miller in the coming months before the start of the season. Ball's exit makes that all the more certain.
Miller's time is now. He's been a good player in the league during his first three seasons. But the Hornets are banking on him making the leap to great. So much so that they were willing to part with the player who had been their franchise cornerstone.
That will put a lot of pressure on Miller. Fortunately for Charlotte, he's a player who thrives under pressure.
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