The Charlotte Hornets waived guard Pat Connaughton on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, parting ways with the veteran after one season. Charlotte’s president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson announced the move.
Connaughton appeared in 42 games for Charlotte last season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds. The Hornets acquired him in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks on July 6, 2026, hoping he could provide depth and veteran experience in the backcourt and on the wing.
The Terms Of The Move
Connaughton, acquired July 6, 2026, in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaves Charlotte as a free agent.
What It Means For Charlotte’s Roster
Charlotte moves forward without Connaughton after he logged limited minutes in his 42 appearances. Guard Coby White is sidelined for the preseason with a calf strain, a factor that could shape how the team manages its guard depth.
Connaughton’s Career Background
Connaughton, a Notre Dame alumnus from Arlington, Massachusetts, was originally selected 41st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2015 NBA Draft. Over 11 NBA seasons, he has appeared in 637 games with 72 starts, posting career averages of 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 18.4 minutes per outing.
Connaughton won an NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021 and was named one of 12 finalists for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award following last season.
What’s Next
Connaughton now becomes a free agent eligible to sign with any NBA team. Charlotte continues preparations for the season while monitoring White’s calf injury as it finalizes its backcourt rotation.
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