# Charlotte Hornets roster changes and player injuries

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/charlotte-hornets-roster-changes-and-player-injuries
> Updated: 2026-10-21T20:06:43.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 5.

The Charlotte Hornets are undergoing a significant roster overhaul and facing injury setbacks heading into the preseason.

Following a 44-38 season that ended in a Play-In Tournament loss, the franchise executed major trades to prioritize salary-cap flexibility and future assets. This included sending star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round swaps, and three second-round picks. Additionally, Miles Bridges was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an unprotected first-round pick. Other notable departures include Dennis Schroder and Tre Mann.

These moves have positioned Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel as the primary young core. Miller, the 2023 second overall pick, faces a pivotal year to establish himself as a franchise player. The team is also integrating rookies Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr. to assist with the scoring load.

Compounding these changes, Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams have both been sidelined with hamstring injuries. Knueppel, who suffered a left hamstring strain during a September offseason workout, has been ruled out for the regular-season opener against the Brooklyn Nets. While Knueppel has resumed individual on-court activities, he remains sidelined alongside Grant Williams (right hamstring) and Coby White (left calf), who have also returned to individual work.

Head coach Charles Lee will begin the season without these three rotation players. For the opener, the Hornets' starting lineup features Dennis Schröder, Sion James, Brandon Miller, Naz Reid, and Moussa Diabaté.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Charlotte Hornets undergo major roster overhaul for 2026-27 season

Following the departures of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, the Charlotte Hornets enter the 2026-27 season with a rebuilt roster led by Brandon Miller.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charlotte-hornets-undergo-major-roster-overhaul-for-2026-27-season

### 2026-10-20: Charlotte Hornets star Kon Knueppel ruled out for season opener

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel will miss the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets due to a left hamstring strain, despite returning to individual on-court activities.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charlotte-hornets-star-kon-knueppel-ruled-out-for-season-opener

### 2026-10-14: Charlotte Hornets rebuild roster following LaMelo Ball trade

The Charlotte Hornets have overhauled their roster, trading LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges to prioritize long-term assets and draft capital for the 2026-27 NBA season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charlotte-hornets-rebuild-roster-following-lamelo-ball-trade

### 2026-09-29: Charlotte Hornets face major roster overhaul ahead of preseason

Following major trades involving LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, the Charlotte Hornets enter the preseason with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel positioned as the team's new core.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charlotte-hornets-face-major-roster-overhaul-ahead-of-preseason

### 2026-09-25: Charlotte Hornets players Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams sidelined by injuries

The Charlotte Hornets announced that Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams will miss the preseason due to hamstring injuries. Both players will be reevaluated during the first week of the regular season.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/charlotte-hornets-players-kon-knueppel-and-grant-williams-sidelined-by-injuries

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Cite as: Charlotte Hornets roster changes and player injuries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/charlotte-hornets-roster-changes-and-player-injuries