Hornets GM Jeff Peterson Outlines Offseason Priorities, Praises White, Mann and Coach Lee
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The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2026 offseason with salary-cap flexibility, two first-round selections and a cache of future picks, president of basketball operations and general manager Jeff Peterson said Monday in his season-ending press conference.
Sticking to a Methodical Plan
Peterson cautioned that the front office will not “skip steps” in its effort to accelerate the rebuild, despite finishing the regular season on a 33-15 surge before falling to Orlando in last Friday’s win-or-go-home play-in game.
“We’ve made a ton of progress internally, and I know that’s going to continue,” Peterson told reporters. “We’ll stay strategic, and when the right opportunity presents itself, we’ll be ready because of the flexibility we have.”
Draft Capital
Charlotte controls its own first-rounder, projected at No. 14 with only a 2.4% chance of moving into the top four, and also owns the No. 18 pick. Peterson called the 2026 draft “one of the deepest” he has seen and said the Hornets could either add two rookies or package picks for other moves.
Coby White Extension on the Table
After acquiring guard Coby White at the trade deadline, the Hornets intend to keep him long-term, Peterson confirmed. “We envisioned him as somebody who’s going to be with the Hornets for a long time,” he said, emphasizing White’s on-court impact and professionalism.
Tre Mann’s Bounce-Back Plans
Guard Tre Mann struggled in the first season of his three-year, $24 million contract, but Peterson praised his attitude. “He certainly didn’t have the season he wanted, but he was always there for his teammates,” Peterson said, adding that Mann is preparing for “a huge summer” ahead of 2026-27.
Endorsement of Head Coach Charles Lee
Peterson credited second-year head coach Charles Lee for maintaining consistent messaging during both a 4-14 start and the subsequent turnaround. “Charles and his entire staff did a tremendous job,” Peterson said. “He can coach guys hard, hold them accountable and still build strong relationships.”
The Hornets conclude the 2025-26 campaign positioned to pursue roster upgrades through either the draft or the trade market when the league’s transaction window opens this summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
