Charlotte Hornets rebuild around Coby White after trading LaMelo Ball

Head coach Charles Lee re‑signed guard Coby White to a three‑year, $74 million contract, stressing that White must play as himself and not be treated as a replacement for former star LaMelo Ball. The Hornets moved on from Ball, sending him to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and also traded Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns. In return they acquired forward Naz Reid and added depth to the frontcourt with draft picks such as Hannes Steinbach, as well as players Grant Williams, Ryan Kalkbrenner and the existing big Moussa Diabaté.

Lee highlighted White’s speed, three‑point shooting and defensive instincts, saying, “He has to be Coby White… I’m excited about what he brings to the defensive side of the floor.” The roster overhaul aims to give the team a more balanced, versatile lineup and to position the Hornets as a potential sleeper team for the upcoming season, building around young talents like Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel while relying on White as a primary scorer and playmaker.