Coby White agrees to 3-year, $74M deal to stay with Hornets
Charlotte locks in a 26-year-old guard averaging 19.5 points and 5.1 assists as part of their young core with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Charlotte locks in a 26-year-old guard averaging 19.5 points and 5.1 assists as part of their young core with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Coby White has signed a three-year, $74 million contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets, locking in the 26-year-old guard as a cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuilding plan. 1 assists last season, establishing himself as the Hornets’ primary facilitator and scoring threat. With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller already in place, Charlotte now has its young backcourt trio under long-term control, giving the franchise a critical core to build around as it targets playoff contention.
The trio’s combined age of just 78 years makes them the youngest starting backcourt in the NBA, a demographic advantage that could pay dividends for years if their chemistry develops. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement, underscoring the Hornets’ willingness to invest in their core despite roster constraints. The extension signals Charlotte’s confidence in White’s two-way impact and his fit alongside Ball and Miller, though it also raises questions about cap flexibility and the team’s ability to address other roster gaps.
The financial commitment ranks among the league’s most aggressive for a guard of White’s profile, reflecting the Hornets’ urgency to stabilize their foundation before chasing external solutions. The deal’s structure, front-loading $48 million in the first two years, further highlights the Hornets’ all-in approach. This strategy minimizes long-term risk if White’s performance spikes but could hamstring the team if injuries or underperformance resurface.
White’s injury history—including a shoulder issue that sidelined him for 19 games in 2022–23—adds a layer of risk to the contract, though his 2023–24 campaign demonstrated resilience and improved consistency. Comparatively, White’s extension sits just below elite guard contracts like De’Aaron Fox’s $160 million deal and Tyrese Maxey’s $205 million supermax, positioning him in a tier that blends potential with proven production. 1% from three last season—will elevate the offense while his defensive effort complements Ball’s weaknesses.
However, the deal’s value hinges on White sustaining his breakout without regressing to earlier inconsistencies, a risk amplified by the team’s limited margin for error. ESPN’s Shams Charania noted the Hornets’ commitment to retaining White as part of their young core, framing the move as a step toward sustained competitiveness. The reporting underscores the franchise’s bet on continuity over short-term flexibility, a strategy that could either accelerate the rebuild or leave the team overcommitted if the core underperforms.
What’s next: The Hornets must now balance their books for the 2024–25 season, where roster balance and cap management will dictate whether they can add complementary pieces around their three guards or explore trade scenarios to address frontcourt needs. The frontcourt’s deficiencies—ranked 24th in rebounds and 28th in blocks last season—remain the most glaring gap, and the team’s ability to address them without gutting the roster will define the offseason’s success. Read at ESPN
The extension proves the Hornets are serious about keeping their young talent together as they chase playoff relevance. By locking in White at $74 million over three years, Charlotte secures a proven scorer and facilitator but ties up significant cap space, limiting flexibility to address other roster holes. The move reflects a bet on the trio of White, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller as the foundation of a competitive core, though the financial commitment could complicate future roster construction. The Hornets’ willingness to front-load $48 million in the first two years—despite White’s injury history—signals a high-risk, high-reward approach that could either vault the franchise into contention or leave it saddled with bloated contracts if the core fails to deliver.
ESPNespn.comJun 25, 5:40 PMen
ClearSportsrotowire.comJun 25, 12:00 AMen
Ionescu and Stewart lead New York to a decisive victory over the Aces.
Knicks warn that Trump's Game 3 appearance may spark protests, tighter security and a charged vibe, urging fans to stay calm and brace for a louder night at MSG.
Angel Reese shatters the WNBA rebounding record in her 79th game, fueling Atlanta's dominant statement win over Indiana.
Thunder GM Sam Presti defended Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, back against critics and outlining offseason plan.
Minnesota sends Reid and a mountain of picks to Charlotte for Ball and Green, flipping both franchises’ futures.
LaMelo Ball and Josh Green join Minnesota as Charlotte receives Naz Reid and a cache of future draft picks, reshaping both franchises.
Charlotte trades its franchise cornerstone LaMelo Ball and wing Josh Green for big man Naz Reid and valuable draft assets, signaling a full rebuild.
Charlotte explores options for the All-Star guard as Minnesota and Toronto lead the chase for a franchise-altering deal.
Phoenix adds Bridges’ athleticism to its Big Three while Charlotte cashes in on draft picks in a franchise-altering swap.
Phoenix lands Miles Bridges and picks; Charlotte adds defense and shooting in multi-player deal that shifts West playoff calculus.
Suns send Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick to Hornets for Miles Bridges and two additional draft picks.
Miles Bridges joins the Suns, reshaping their wing depth after Kevin Durant's injury.
The NBA community mourns the sudden loss of the beloved Memphis big man. Cause of death not yet disclosed.
Usage dips in Philly, but Moody’s data says Brown’s overall fantasy stock stays intact despite the move from Boston.
Boston ships Jaylen Brown to Philly for Paul George and four draft picks, flipping the conference’s title outlook and forcing both teams into fresh eras.
The NBA mourns Jason Collins, the first openly gay active player, whose courage reshaped the league’s culture.
For the first time in history, Belgium and Senegal meet in a World Cup knockout stage. European consistency against African reaction in Seattle defines who advances to the quarter-finals.
Ionescu and Stewart lead New York to a decisive victory over the Aces.
Ja Morant’s blockbuster move to Portland headlines a wild NBA free agency opening, with LeBron James re-signing in Los Angeles and Kawhi Leonard’s status still in flux.
Star guard's social media activity fuels trade rumors, casting doubt on his future in Boston.
After weeks of transfer noise, the striker told United’s hierarchy he’s ready to reclaim his place in the first team picture.
The Reds are in a four-club race for the Japan international who shone against Brazil. A £30m bid could force their hand.
Three weeks in, we ask if the World Cup is actually challenging basketball's dominance.
ESPN's preview predicts the trio will start in Chicago on July 25, promising high-octane action.
Medical clearance is delayed by red tape, not the injury itself, as Boca eyes the Copa Sudamericana.
FIFA mandates a strict 15-minute break. Here is why the interval matters for players and fans.
