Apr 2, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) moves the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Apr 2, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) moves the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
This summer has seen a number of young players secure their first rookie-scale extensions. From Victor Wembanyama and the Thompson twins to Keyonte George and Pelle Larsson, the 2026 NBA offseason has been one of tremendous opportunity, and more is yet to come.
According to the latest intel from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Brandon Miller is next in line for an extension, projected at over $200 million over five years. It’s roughly the same number Rockets guard Amen Thompson signed for earlier this month.
“Another contract you may see is Brandon Miller from the Charlotte Hornets,” said Brian Windhorst. “With Charlotte clearing out Miles Bridges and clearing out LaMelo Ball, they have put themselves in a position where they have a lot of flexibility, and I think that getting Miller into a deal is a priority. I think they’ve had substantial talks on that. If I were Brandon Miller, if it’s a five-year deal, I think you’re looking for that first number to be a two.”
The Hornets have shifted gears in recent months, going from the LaMelo/Bridges regime to the Miller/Knueppel duo. It has not been an easy transition, but the Hornets believe they have a lasting core, and they are determined to keep them around for the foreseeable future. As a rising sophomore, Kon Knueppel is not yet eligible for an extension, but that’s not the case for Miller, who was drafted second overall in 2023.
While he’s yet to make an All-Star team, Miller has flashed his potential from the start, finishing third in Rookie Of The Year voting. Behind LaMelo, he played more of a supporting role in the backcourt, providing key floor spacing and shot-making whenever needed. With averages of 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 0.7 blocks per game on 43.5% shooting last season, the results were relatively modest, but it was more than enough for the Hornets to crown him as a pillar of the franchise.
While no extension has been finalized yet, both Miller and the Hornets view his value as comparable to Amen Thompson’s contract, which is set at over $208 million. Unlike Thompson, Miller is arguably the best player on the Hornets right now, and his loyalty is important to what the team is building. If an agreement isn’t imminent, we can surely expect a deal at some point during the season, barring any last-minute changes.
At just 23, Miller still has a lot to prove in the NBA, including whether or not he can be the first option on a competitive team. He played well enough with LaMelo in the last campaign, but he won’t have the benefit of his help this upcoming season. For the first time in his career, Miller will be at center stage for the Hornets, with all the authority and security that most franchise stars enjoy.
Of course, he will also face overwhelming pressure to live up to this new deal. If he becomes one of the highest-paid players at his position (without a thing to show for it), the Hornets will set higher expectations that he may or may not be able to reach.