Hornets retain Pat Connaughton for 2026-27 season

The Charlotte Hornets have exercised their $3.8 million team option to retain guard Pat Connaughton for the 2026-27 season. Connaughton, a veteran swingman, played in 42 games last season and significantly contributed as a mentor to the team's younger players. His performance included a career-high 40.4% shooting from three-point range, totaling an average of 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. The Hornets are looking to improve on their 25-win increase from the previous year and aim for their first playoff appearance since the 2015-16 season as Connaughton enters his 12th NBA season this fall.

• 7:24 PMYahoo Sports — Hornets to exercise option on former NBA champion