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The Charlotte Hornets are in a serious situation in determining their final 15-player lineup for the 2026-27 season.
Amid the Hornets' strong desire to keep veteran Pat Connaughton as a vital locker room presence and due to his strong bond with Kon Knueppel, Tidjane Salaun is being viewed as a likely piece that Charlotte could consider parting ways with.
"The Hornets want to keep veteran swingman Pat Connaughton just like the Mavericks want to keep Powell. But the young Hornet who appears to be in the most serious jeopardy if Charlotte does retain Connaughton is recent No. 6 overall pick Tidjane Salaun," per NBA insider Jake Fischer in his latest Substack report.
Hornets torn between Tidjane Salaun, Pat Connaughton
Tidjane Salaun is the prized No. 6 pick of the Charlotte Hornets from the 2024 NBA Draft.
After averaging 5.9 points and 4.7 rebounds on a lowly 33.0% shooting during his 2024–25 rookie season, Tidjane Salaün improved his efficiency significantly last year by averaging 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 50.3% from the field and 43.4% from three-point range.
The 21-year-old French wing has made significant progress over the offseason, which created further dilemmas for the Hornets as they decide whom to cut from their roster.
Liam McNeeley is seen as another option for the Hornets to release should they aim to keep Salaun and Connaughton.