Hornets' Brandon Miller gets new contract update amid shoulder injury

Joe Mayo

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Hornets' Brandon Miller gets new contract update amid shoulder injury image

The Charlotte Hornets are preparing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, and while Brandon Miller's availability remains uncertain, the Hornets have officially locked in Miller for next season. 

On Friday, the Hornets exercised their $15.1 million fourth-year team option on Miller's contract for the 2026-27 campaign, according to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. Following the unsurprising move, the two sides are now eligible to discuss a contract extension this summer. 

The 22-year-old swingman was selected by Charlotte with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. While he has already dealt with injury concerns during his young career, Miller has shown significant promise when healthy. 

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When could Brandon Miller return 

Miller's sophomore season was cut short by a torn ligament in his right wrist. He underwent surgery in January after appearing in just 27 regular-season games in 2024-25, during which he averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 34.2 minutes per game. 

Now, he's dealing with a left shoulder subluxation he sustained in last Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hornets have yet to provide a timetable for his return to game action, and Miller is reportedly seeking a second opinion, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. 

Depending on the severity, Miller's shoulder injury could require surgery. While nothing is set in stone just yet, it appears likely he'll miss an extended period. Miller should be considered doubtful for Saturday's contest until the Hornets provide another update, which is expected to come by Friday night. If Miller remains on the shelf, Kon Knueppel, Sion James and Liam McNeeley are candidates for increased minutes.

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