Rising from the basketball courts of Paris to the bright lights of the NBA, Tidjane Salaun has quickly become a name to watch. As a rookie with the Charlotte Hornets, his journey is marked by hard work, family support, and big dreams.
This article covers everything you want to know about Salaun, including his net worth, contract, salary, career earnings, endorsements, stats, and personal life details.
Tidjane Salaun’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tidjane Abdoul Salaün |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 2005 |
| Age | 19 |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Weight | 207 lbs (94 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $7,488,720 |
| Career Earnings | $7,488,720 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | tidjane.sln |
| Twitter Profile | TidjaneSalaun |
Early Career
Tidjane Salaun’s early basketball journey began in the Paris suburbs, where he started playing organized basketball at the age of seven. He first joined small local teams before spending five years with Charenton, developing his skills alongside other talented young players.
In 2021, Salaun moved to Cholet Basket’s youth team, competing in the French under-21 league, LNB Espoirs. His talent quickly became evident, and by February 2023, he was invited to the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp during All-Star Weekend.
That same year, he was named MVP of the Trophée du Futur tournament, averaging 17.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, which solidified his reputation as one of France’s most promising prospects. His performances at youth and international tournaments helped pave the way for his professional career.
Professional Career
Salaun signed his first professional contract with Cholet’s senior team in July 2023. During the 2023–24 season, he played in both the French LNB Élite and the FIBA Champions League, averaging 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and one steal per game.
In April 2024, he declared for the NBA draft and was selected sixth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in June.
As one of the youngest players in the 2024 draft, Salaun quickly made his mark with the Hornets, showing flashes of scoring, rebounding, and defensive potential. He also spent time developing with the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets’ G League affiliate, which helped him adjust to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
Tidjane Salaun’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Salaun’s net worth is estimated at $8 million.
Contract
Tidjane Salaun signed a four-year rookie contract with the Charlotte Hornets after being selected sixth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. His contract is valued at $34,035,473, with $15,351,960 guaranteed at signing. The deal includes club options for the third and fourth years, giving the Hornets flexibility as he develops.
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Salaun’s contract structure follows the NBA’s rookie salary scale, and he will become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2028 if the team exercises its options. This contract provides financial security for Salaun as he establishes himself in the league and works toward a potential long-term extension in the future.
Salary
Tidjane Salaun’s salary for the 2024-25 NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets is $7,488,720. His salary will increase each year under his rookie contract, rising to $7,863,240 in 2025-26, $8,237,880 in 2026-27, and $10,445,633 in 2027-28, provided the team exercises its club options.
The total value of his four-year contract is $34,035,473, with an average annual salary of about $8.5 million. This progression reflects the NBA’s rookie salary scale for top draft picks and ensures Salaun’s earnings grow as he gains experience in the league.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Charlotte Hornets | $7,488,720 |
| 2025-26 | Charlotte Hornets | $7,863,240 |
| 2026-27 | Charlotte Hornets | $8,237,880 |
| 2027-28 | Charlotte Hornets | $10,445,633 |
| Total | $34,035,473 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played (GP) | Games Started (GS) | Minutes Per Game (MPG) | Points Per Game (PPG) | Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | Assists Per Game (APG) | Steals Per Game (SPG) | Blocks Per Game (BPG) | Field Goal % (FG%) | 3-Point % (3P%) | Free Throw % (FT%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Charlotte Hornets | 60 | 10 | 20.7 | 5.9 | 4.7 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.2 | .330 | .283 | .713 |
FAQs
1. What is Tidjane Salaun’s nationality and position in basketball?
Salaun is a French professional basketball player who plays forward, known for her length, mobility, and potential as a spot-up shooter and mobile defender in the NBA.
2. Which NBA team drafted Salaun and in which year?
The Charlotte Hornets selected Salaun with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a historic year that saw multiple French forwards drafted in the top ten.
3. For which teams has Salaun played during her pro career?
She started with Cholet Basket in France and moved to play for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, spending time with the Greensboro Swarm in the G League for further development.
4. What are Salaun’s rookie season statistics in the NBA?
Salaun played 60 games in her first season for Charlotte, averaging 5.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in just over 20 minutes per game, while showing progress in rebounding and defensive roles.
5. What are Salaun’s greatest strengths as an NBA player?
Salaun brings a 7-foot-plus wingspan, spot-up shooting potential, rebounding ability, and defensive versatility, matched with a high work rate and willingness to learn on both ends.
6. What are some areas of improvement identified for Salaun early in her NBA career?
She needs to sharpen decision-making, limit turnovers, and improve shooting efficiency, especially on three-pointers and free throws, to become a more consistent offensive threat.
7. How does Salaun compare to other young NBA forwards?
Salaun is noted for raw upside, athletic ability, and defensive tools like players such as Jaren Jackson Jr. at a similar stage, though he is early in her development as an NBA starter.
8. What is Salaun’s background prior to entering the NBA?
In France, Salaun played for Cholet Basket’s youth and senior teams, winning MVP honors at the Trophée du Futur in 2023 and averaging nearly 18 points and over seven rebounds per game in junior finals.
9. What do coaches and analysts say about Salaun’s NBA fit and future?
Coaches praise her energy and physical tools, seeing eventual starter potential if she improves offense; analysts view Salaun as part of a new wave of French talent shaping the league.
10. What goals and ambitions does Salaun have for her ongoing NBA career?
Salaun aims to secure a long-term role with the Charlotte Hornets, build into a reliable two-way forward, and become a core piece for franchise success as her skills develop further.
