Grading the Charlotte Hornets 2025 Offseason

Key Moves:

Signed Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency

Re-signed Tre Mann

Signed Mason Plumlee in free agency

Drafted Sion James, Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, and Ryan Kalkbrenner

Traded Jusuf Nurkić to Jazz for Collin Sexton and 2030 2nd-round pick

Traded Vasilije Micić to Bucks for Pat Connaughton and two 2nd-round picks

Signed Drew Peterson and Antonio Reeves to two-way contracts

Free Agency

The Charlotte Hornets chose to improve their roster around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges during the 2025 offseason. The front office staff prioritized balance and depth over a big-name star. Tre Mann re-signed after showing promise as a scoring option this past season, and veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie joined the team to offer leadership and reliable ball handling. Mason Plumlee returned to the organization, bringing experience, size, and strength to the frontcourt rotation. 

The Draft

Charlotte’s draft class may be among this year’s more underappreciated selections. Ryan Kalkbrenner provides size and rim protection, Liam McNeeley contributes a smooth, professional game, Sion James offers defensive intensity, and Kon Knueppel is a dependable shooter. Each one improves the long-term core and meets a different need, but none of them will lead the team right now. For many years to come, these skill sets should help keep the roster balanced.

Trades

The trade market also added low-risk, smart moves. Jusuf Nurkić’s trade to Utah gave Charlotte immediate scoring power in the backcourt by bringing in Collin Sexton, and the future second-round pick was also a plus. The Hornets also traded Vasilije Micić to Milwaukee and, in return, received a proven NBA Champion Three-and-D wing, Pat Connaughton, and two second-round picks. Both these trades increased Charlotte’s depth and future roster, even though they weren’t blockbuster deals.

The Hornets signed two-way contracts with Drew Peterson and Antonio Reeves to close out the summer. When depth is needed throughout the season, Peterson’s versatility and Reeves’ scoring ability may both be helpful. Finding value at every roster position is reflected in these overlooked pickups. All things considered, Charlotte’s summer was neat, intentional, and focused on maximizing the development of their roster, which is built around their young stars.  

Offseason Grade: B+