The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie contract extension with forward Brandon Miller, making him the second-highest paid player from the 2023 NBA Draft class.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The Charlotte Hornets and forward Brandon Miller have agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie-scale contract extension, according to a report by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania. The deal, finalized on Monday, Oct. 19, represents a significant financial commitment from the franchise as it builds around its younger core following the trade of LaMelo Ball.
The extension makes Miller the second-highest paid player from the 2023 NBA Draft class, trailing only San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. The $209 million value exceeds the five-year, $200 million contract given to Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and is $1 million more than the five-year, $208 million deal signed by Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson.
Miller, selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, joins a group of first-round selections from his class who have secured extensions. Other players from the 2023 draft who have signed extensions include Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Keyonte George, Cason Wallace, and Brandin Podziemski.
Miller enters his fourth season with the Hornets after a career-best campaign in which he averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He shot 38.3% from 3-point range and 43% from the field last season. Yahoo Sports noted that Miller has maintained a 12.5% turnover rate in each of the past two seasons.
The forward dealt with a shoulder injury during the previous season, wearing a wrap for the remainder of the year after the second game and undergoing surgery shortly after the season ended. He is expected to return to full health for the upcoming campaign.
With LaMelo Ball traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miller is positioned as the primary offensive option for Charlotte. The Hornets will rely on Miller and second-year player Kon Knueppel to lead the team. However, the roster faces immediate health concerns ahead of the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Knueppel missed the entire preseason with a hamstring issue, and new point guard Coby White has missed time with a calf strain. No official word has been released on their status for the opener.
This extension signals the Hornets' confidence in Miller as the cornerstone of their franchise. By securing him at a premium price, the team has locked in a key asset during his early career years. The deal also highlights the financial landscape of the 2023 draft class, where top picks are commanding significant long-term contracts. The Hornets' success in the 2026-2027 season will depend heavily on Miller's ability to manage turnovers and stay healthy while leading a young roster.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
SportsTrending
Aaron Boone will return as the New York Yankees manager for the 2027 season, entering the final year of his contract. The decision follows a 93-68 regular season and an ALDS sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays.
SportsTrending
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams will miss six to 10 weeks with a ruptured hamstring, head coach Sean McVay said Monday. The injury occurred during Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals.