Hornets Pick Up Team Options on Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaun

The Charlotte Hornets reaffirmed their commitment to building around youth and potential on Friday, exercising team options on guard Brandon Miller and forward Tidjane Salaun. The move secures both former lottery picks through the 2025–26 NBA season, reflecting the franchise’s long-term vision for player development.

Miller, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had his fourth-year option picked up despite being sidelined with a left shoulder injury. Salaun, selected sixth overall in the 2024 draft, had his third-year option exercised after a solid start to his sophomore campaign.

The decision underscores Charlotte’s focus on continuity amid an evolving roster. With LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams anchoring the team’s core, the Hornets are betting that Miller and Salaun can provide the two-way versatility and offensive spark needed to compete in the Eastern Conference over the next several seasons.

Both players have shown flashes of significant promise since entering the league, giving the organization confidence in their trajectory despite early injury setbacks.

1. Brandon Miller’s Rise and Resilience

Miller’s early career has been marked by both impressive performances and unfortunate injuries. The 21-year-old guard averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in just 27 games last season before a torn wrist ligament ended his rookie campaign prematurely. This year, he started strong before dislocating his left shoulder in a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. In two games, Miller averaged 14.5 points and 4.0 assists, showcasing improved decision-making and a stronger handle in head coach Steve Clifford’s system. The Hornets’ front office has maintained confidence in Miller’s ability to bounce back and continue developing into a lead scoring option. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive potential remains central to the team’s rebuilding blueprint. Miller’s option ensures he remains under contract through at least 2026, giving Charlotte valuable flexibility as the team balances player growth with potential future roster moves.

2. Salaun Steady in Early Sophomore Season

For forward Tidjane Salaun, Charlotte’s decision signals belief in his steady progress. The French prospect, who averaged 5.9 points and 4.7 rebounds as a rookie, has carved out a rotational role this season thanks to his energy, rebounding, and defensive instincts. Through five games, Salaun is averaging 4.0 points and 4.8 rebounds while providing reliable minutes off the bench. His athleticism and ability to switch defensively have drawn praise from the coaching staff, even as his offensive game continues to develop. At just 19 years old, Salaun remains one of the youngest players in the NBA, and the Hornets view him as a long-term project with significant upside. His versatility fits well alongside Charlotte’s young core, especially in small-ball lineups where his size and mobility can create mismatches. Exercising his third-year option signals the team’s commitment to giving Salaun the time and resources to mature into a reliable contributor at both ends of the floor.

3. Building Stability Through Development

The Hornets’ moves come amid an organizational push for stability after several seasons of injuries and inconsistent play. Locking in Miller and Salaun aligns with general manager Mitch Kupchak’s emphasis on internal growth rather than immediate roster overhauls. With both players under contract, Charlotte maintains a young, controllable core that could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come. The next challenge lies in translating potential into consistency — an area that has often eluded the Hornets in recent seasons. If Miller can return to health and build on his strong scoring instincts while Salaun continues refining his game, Charlotte could possess one of the more dynamic young rosters in the East. For now, the team’s focus remains on patience, development, and progress. The Hornets’ long-term investment in Miller and Salaun reflects a franchise determined to grow its future from within.