The Charlotte Hornets have waived veteran guard Pat Connaughton following a flurry of trade deadline activity, as revealed by ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel. This move comes after Charlotte acquired Tyus Jones and several other players in a shakeup that left no roster space for Connaughton.
Connaughton has taken the court just 22 times this season, averaging only seven minutes per game—the lowest since his rookie season in 2015-16. Now 33 years old, his role in the Hornets’ future seemed uncertain, and the team’s recent guard acquisitions ultimately pushed him out.
Hornets Bolster Backcourt with Multiple Guard Additions
As part of their trade deadline strategy, Charlotte brought in guards Coby White and Mike Conley in exchange for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round draft picks. Shortly after, they added Tyus Jones along with two second-round picks from Orlando Magic in a salary dump.
With LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, White, Conley, Jones, Tre Mann, Sion James, and Josh Green now signed, the Hornets’ backcourt is overcrowded. This plethora of guards left no room for Connaughton on the active roster, prompting his release to facilitate the Tyus Jones trade completion.
Logjam in Guard Rotation Forces Tough Decisions
Charlotte intends to use Coby White as a direct replacement for Sexton’s role, while relying on James and Green to come off the bench behind Knueppel and Miller. This setup makes it unlikely for both Conley and Jones to stay long term, with a preference likely toward keeping Jones.
Mike Conley, respected as a seasoned veteran throughout the league, may seek opportunities with a championship contender rather than remaining with the rebuilding Hornets. There is speculation that Conley could reunite with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his former team before the recent transactions.
Future Roster Moves Expected Amid Guard Surplus
The Hornets’ recent deals have created an excess of guards, suggesting further roster adjustments may be on the horizon. Pat Connaughton’s release marks a significant shift, indicating the franchise’s commitment to reshaping its lineup around younger or newly acquired guards. How Charlotte manages this talent surplus will shape their performance moving forward.
The Charlotte Hornets have waived veteran wing Pat Connaughton.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 5, 2026
