Back to the Charlotte Hornets Newsfeed

GM: Hornets to rely on player development, not free agency

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reaches for a rebound against Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets are projected to have approximately $40 million in salary cap space this coming offseason, but that doesn’t mean owner Michael Jordan’s club will be big players in free agency come July.

Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said Charlotte’s focus moving forward will be on drafting well and developing its young players.

“I don’t think that is something that we can bank on as a small market team -- I just don’t,” Kupchak said Friday of Charlotte’s ability to land elite players in free agency.