Charlotte operates with approximately $145 million in payroll as the Hornets build around young talent. LaMelo Ball leads the roster at $35.1 million annually while the franchise develops promising players like Brandon Miller and Mark Williams.
Miles Bridges ($27M), Gordon Hayward ($31.5M expiring), and Terry Rozier traded away created salary flexibility. Rookie Brandon Miller ($9.5M) and center Mark Williams ($5.5M) represent Charlotte’s investment in youth as the franchise seeks playoff relevance.
Find out more about the Charlotte Hornets players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers |
| LaMelo Ball | Seth Curry | Brandon Miller | Grant Williams | Mark Williams |
| Tre Mann | Nick Smith Jr. | Miles Bridges | Moussa Diabaté | Jusuf Nurkić |
| KJ Simpson | Josh Green | DaQuan Jeffries | Taj Gibson | |
| Damion Baugh | Josh Okogie | Tidjane Salaun | ||
| Wendell Moore Jr. | Malachi Flynn | |||
| Marcus Garrett | ||||
| Reggie Jackson |
Charlotte Hornets Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
| Player | Position | Salary | Contract Through |
| LaMelo Ball | PG | $35.1M | 2029 |
| Gordon Hayward | SF | $31.5M | 2025 |
| Miles Bridges | PF | $27M | 2026 |
| Brandon Miller | SF | $9.5M | 2028 |
| P.J. Washington | PF | $15.5M | 2027 |
| Mark Williams | C | $5.5M | 2027 |
| Cody Martin | SF | $8.5M | 2027 |
| Nick Richards | C | $5M | 2028 |
| Tre Mann | PG | $2.2M | 2026 |
| Bryce McGowens | SG | $1.9M | 2026 |
Ball earns $35.1 million through his five-year, $203.9 million designated rookie max extension signed in July 2023. The point guard’s playmaking and scoring ability justify the investment despite injury concerns limiting availability.
Hayward makes $31.5 million in his contract’s final year after disappointing Charlotte tenure plagued by injuries. Bridges collected $27 million through his three-year, $75 million deal after off-court legal issues disrupted his career trajectory.
Miller earned $9.5 million as the No. 2 overall pick in 2023. His rookie-scale contract provides star potential at controlled cost through 2028. Washington makes $15.5 million after arriving via trade from Dallas.
LaMelo Ball Net Worth and Career Earnings Breakdown
Ball accumulated $68 million building a $42 million net worth by age 23. His Puma endorsement deal reportedly pays $8-10 million annually adding substantial off-court income. Ball’s signature MB.01 shoe line generates additional revenue through sales royalties.
Hayward earned $267 million creating a $168 million net worth across Utah, Boston, and Charlotte spanning 14 seasons. His massive contracts never matched production following catastrophic 2017 ankle injury. Bridges collected $58 million building a $34 million fortune.
| Player | Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| Gordon Hayward | $31.5M | $267M | $168M | Nike |
| LaMelo Ball | $35.1M | $68M | $42M | Puma, BodyArmor |
| Miles Bridges | $27M | $58M | $34M | Nike |
| P.J. Washington | $15.5M | $42M | $24M | Jordan Brand |
| Terry Rozier | $24M | $125M | $78M | Nike (traded) |
| Cody Martin | $8.5M | $22M | $13M | Nike |
Rozier earned $125 million building a $78 million net worth before his trade to Miami. Washington collected $42 million creating a $24 million fortune. Martin accumulated $22 million building a $13 million net worth providing defensive versatility.
Brandon Miller’s Rookie Contract and Star Potential
Miller earns $9.5 million through his four-year, $42.1 million rookie-scale contract as the No. 2 overall pick. His scoring ability—averaging 18.8 points with efficient shooting splits—suggests future All-Star potential justifying Charlotte’s draft investment.
His contract runs through 2027 with team options providing cost certainty. Miller’s development timeline aligns with Ball’s prime years creating potential playoff core if both stay healthy.
Mark Williams makes $5.5 million as the 15th pick in 2022. His rim protection and rebounding provide defensive anchor potential at controlled cost. Nick Richards earned $5 million through his three-year, $15 million extension offering backup center depth.
Hornets Spending by Position: Guard-Heavy Investment
Charlotte allocated $62 million to guards—43% of total payroll. Ball’s $35.1M and Rozier’s $24M (before trade) led backcourt spending. The Hornets prioritize perimeter shot creation reflecting modern offensive philosophy.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Guards | $62M | LaMelo Ball | $35.1M |
| Forwards | $62M | Gordon Hayward | $31.5M |
| Centers | $11M | Mark Williams | $5.5M |
| Bench/Rotation | $10M | Cody Martin | $8.5M |
Forwards consumed $62 million with Hayward ($31.5M), Bridges ($27M), and Miller ($9.5M). Centers cost just $11 million with Williams ($5.5M) and Richards ($5M) splitting rim protection duties at below-market rates.
Miles Bridges Contract After Off-Court Issues
Bridges earns $27 million through his three-year, $75 million deal signed after domestic violence charges created free agent uncertainty. Charlotte offered below-market contract reflecting risk tolerance other teams avoided.
His production—averaging 21 points and 7 rebounds—provides value despite off-court baggage. Bridges’ contract runs through 2026 with Charlotte evaluating long-term fit as his legal issues resolved.
The signing drew criticism from fans and media questioning organizational values. Charlotte’s front office bet on redemption arc while securing scoring forward at discounted rate compared to his on-court production value.
Hornets Best Value Contracts Providing Depth
Tre Mann earns just $2.2 million after arriving via trade from Oklahoma City. His scoring off the bench provides offensive spark at minimal cost. Bryce McGowens makes $1.9 million developing as a second-round pick.
JT Thor collected $2.1 million offering forward depth. Leaky Black earned $1.8 million through two-way contract promotion providing perimeter defense. Charlotte identifies undervalued rotation pieces through trades and G-League development.
Vasilije Micić makes $7.7 million providing veteran point guard depth behind Ball. His European pedigree and playmaking create insurance against Ball’s injury history at reasonable cost.
FAQs
Who is Charlotte Hornets’ highest-paid player?
LaMelo Ball earns $35.1 million through his five-year, $203.9 million designated rookie max extension signed in July 2023 running through 2029.
What is Brandon Miller’s salary as No. 2 pick?
Miller makes $9.5 million through his four-year, $42.1 million rookie-scale contract averaging 18.8 points with star potential on cost-controlled deal.
How much has Gordon Hayward earned in his career?
Hayward accumulated approximately $267 million across 14 NBA seasons building an estimated $168 million net worth despite injury-plagued recent years.
Does LaMelo Ball have endorsement deals?
Ball partnered with Puma reportedly earning $8-10 million annually plus royalties from his signature MB.01 shoe line and maintains BodyArmor endorsement.
