The Charlotte Hornets are preparing a lucrative long-term contract extension for swingman Brandon Miller, aiming to lock down their new franchise player. This move follows a season where Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists and the team closed with a 110-96 win over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. With a recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five games, the Hornets are on a two-game winning streak as they build around Miller.
Why is Brandon Miller getting a new deal?
Miller is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which will pay him about $15.1 million before he hits restricted free agency in the summer of 2027. The Hornets have signaled he is their future after trading LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints expects the new pact to be a five-year deal. "He is going to get a new deal at some point," Siegel said. "That will cement him as the face of this franchise after those trades."
Siegel noted the team has time to finalize an agreement before the season starts but sees no real risk of Miller leaving. "There's no worries here about getting a deal done," he added, mentioning Miller's past shoulder injury as a minor factor in timing. "Brandon Miller, I don't expect him to be on the market whatsoever for other teams." You can track the team's contract commitments on our roster page.
Is Brandon Miller a Most Improved Player candidate?
Analysts believe Miller is poised for a breakout year that could earn him the NBA's Most Improved Player award. On The Zach Lowe Show, Mo Dakhil named Miller his early pick. "It's gonna be Brandon Miller for me from Charlotte," Dakhil explained. "He's gonna get a bigger opportunity now with LaMelo gone. He's gonna get more reps on the ball."
Dakhil argued Miller will need to carry a larger offensive load, which should boost his production. Zach Lowe himself had Miller on his shortlist, connecting the Hornets' improved play last season directly to Miller's health. "Charlotte's surge last year coincided exactly with Brandon Miller getting healthy and getting a consistently available 20 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST last year," Lowe said. His only hesitation was that award voters might not watch enough Hornets games to appreciate Miller's full impact.
What does this mean for the Hornets' future?
Securing Miller is the central piece of Charlotte's rebuilding plan. His development as a primary scoring option will define their offensive identity. The team's 2-3 record in its last five games, ending with two straight wins, shows there's work to do. But locking in a young star like Miller provides a clear foundation.
The front office's decision to trade established players shows a full commitment to building around Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel. Miller's expected extension is a direct investment in that vision. It gives the franchise stability and a marketable star as they look to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Fans can follow the team's progress in the standings throughout the season.
For now, the focus is on getting the contract finalized. Whether it happens before opening night or next summer, the outcome seems certain. Brandon Miller will be a Charlotte Hornet for a long time, tasked with leading the team's next chapter. His performance this season will be critical for a squad looking to turn potential into consistent wins.
