The Charlotte Hornets have generated plenty of buzz this offseason with a series of bold moves aimed at reshaping their roster.
From high-profile trades to strategic draft picks and key free agent signings, the team is working hard to build a competitive foundation for the upcoming season. The Hornets’ recent activity signals a clear intention to improve both their immediate outlook and long-term flexibility, setting the stage for an intriguing year ahead.
As the dust settles on a busy June and early July, let’s take a closer look at how Charlotte’s roster is evolving.
Charlotte Hornets Put Together Roster for Future
Charlotte made a splash by acquiring guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkić. The move gives the Hornets additional backcourt firepower and future assets, while also addressing roster balance.
On draft night, the Hornets continued to make headlines. They selected Duke forward Kon Knueppel with the fourth-overall selection, adding a versatile scorer to their young core.
Charlotte also acquired the draft rights to Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley, the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a 2029 first-round draft pick, and guard Vasa Micic from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for center Mark Williams and a second-round pick swap in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Hornets returned to Duke for the 33rd overall pick, selecting guard/forward Sion James, and added Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner with the 34th overall selection.
In free agency, Charlotte strengthened its frontcourt by signing big man Mason Plumlee to a one-year, $3.6 million deal. Plumlee brings experience, rebounding, and veteran leadership to a young roster.
Most recently, the Hornets turned their attention to the backcourt. On Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with guard Tre Mann, bolstering their guard rotation and adding depth behind All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball.
Hornets Agree to Three-Year, $24 Million Deal With Mann
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Hornets have agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with guard Tre Mann.
“Free agent guard Tre Mann has agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “Hornets officials and Mann’s agent Aaron Turner of Verus Sports negotiated terms of the new contract in free agency.”
Free agent guard Tre Mann has agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. Hornets officials and Mann’s agent Aaron Turner of Verus Sports negotiated terms of the new contract in free agency. pic.twitter.com/mcputliCTQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Mann joined the Hornets in February 2024 as part of a multi-player trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal, which also included Dāvis Bertāns, Vasilije Micić, a 2024 second-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and cash considerations, sent Gordon Hayward to the Thunder.
Injuries limited Mann during the 2024-25 season, as a back issue kept him out for most of the year. He appeared in just 13 games, but his production was encouraging. Mann averaged 14.1 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game. He also shot 43.5% from the field, 40.0% from three-point range, and 90.5% from the free throw line.
Mann, a former standout at Florida, was selected by the Thunder with the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Hornets initially declined to extend Mann his one-year, $6.94 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
That decision allowed Charlotte to pursue other roster moves before ultimately bringing Mann back on a longer-term contract.
With this new deal, Mann is expected to serve as Ball’s primary backup. If he can maintain the level of play he showed in limited action last season, Mann could prove to be a valuable addition for the Hornets, both on the court and in the locker room.
