Kon Knueppel has burst onto the scene as one of the top performing rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft class.
His great efforts have helped elevate the Charlotte Hornets to the mix for a potential playoff spot. How much is he earning on his rookie contract?
Kon Knueppel’s Current Contract and Salary
Knueppel making just over $10 million for the 2025-26 NBA season under his current contract, per Basketball Reference. It marks the first year of a four‑year, $45 million rookie contract he signed with the Hornets in July 2025.
There are two team options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 campaigns, ones that the Hornets will likely accept given his long-term importance to the franchise.
Charlotte selected him fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, pairing him with a core of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, among other key players. The decision to draft him has proven highly prudent so far, as Knueppel proved to be an instant fit with the Hornets.
The Hornets haven’t been to the playoffs since 2016, last losing to the Miami Heat in a seven-game first round series. Every year since has either seen them stay in the lottery or come up short in the Play-In Tournament in 2021 and 2022.
Now, there is a chance that they can end the playoff drought as soon as this season, as long as the star core of Ball, Miller, and Knueppel stay healthy and continue to play at a high level.
What’s Next for Knueppel and the Hornets?
Knueppel has been more than deserving of the recognition he’s received for his performance as a rookie. It’s one of the main reasons why the Hornets have made significant strides this season.
Throughout 54 appearances, he is averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He is shooing 48.4% from the field, including 43.1% from beyond the arc, and 90.2% from the free-throw line.
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His accuracy from downtown has been remarkable, ranking second in 3-pointers made and 12th in 3-point percentage. It is why he will take part in the upcoming 3-point Contest on Feb. 14 during All-Star Weekend.
Charlotte has a 26-29 record on the season, holding the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hornets are ahead of the Atlanta Hawks by 0.5 games and the Chicago Bulls by 2.0 games. However, they trail the Miami Heat by 2.5 games and the Orlando Magic by 3.0 games.
The Hornets went 9-1 in their last 10 games heading into the All-Star break. They will resume action with a two-game homestand against Houston Rockets on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. ET and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.
