Keeping Pat Connaughton could cost the Hornets Tidjane Salaun

The Charlotte Hornets would like to keep veteran wing Pat Connaughton, whose salary is non-guaranteed, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Holding on to him could force a much harder decision elsewhere on the roster.

To retain Connaughton, the Hornets might have to trade or waive Tidjane Salaun, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 draft, whose roster spot could be in jeopardy. Fischer has heard multiple times that the French forward improved this offseason, but he has not played particularly well in the preseason and now realistically projects as a possible rotation player. Charlotte once believed he had star-level upside.

Liam McNeeley is another player who could be vulnerable if the Hornets stick with Connaughton, who is valued as a locker room leader.

Charlotte has carried one more standard contract than the regular season limit, and all teams must be down to 15 by Monday evening.