Hornets Likely to Offer Moussa Diabaté 3-Year, $51 Million Contract

The former Clippers second-round pick has emerged as a key part of Charlotte's rotation after being signed to a two-way deal.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:47am

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When the Los Angeles Clippers decided not to bring back Moussa Diabaté in 2024, the Charlotte Hornets saw potential in the former second-round pick and signed him to a two-way deal. In his first two seasons with the Hornets, Diabaté has emerged as a key part of the team's rotation, averaging career-highs of 8.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The Hornets are now expected to offer Diabaté a 3-year, $51 million contract extension, which would pay him as a high-end rotation big/low-end starter.

Why it matters

Diabaté's rapid development has been a pleasant surprise for the Hornets, who were able to find a diamond in the rough after the Clippers let him go. Retaining Diabaté on a team-friendly deal would be a major win for the Hornets as they look to build a contender around LaMelo Ball.

The details

In his first season with the Hornets, Diabaté beat out three other centers on the roster to earn a standard NBA contract. This season, he's averaging career-highs in points and rebounds, while also ranking 9th in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game and 1st in offensive rebound chances. The Hornets are also 8 points per 100 possessions better when Diabaté is on the court.

  • Diabaté signed a two-way deal with the Hornets in the summer of 2024.
  • In his first season with the Hornets in 2024-25, Diabaté earned a standard NBA contract.
  • Diabaté is currently in the second year of a 3-year, $5.7 million deal.

The players

Moussa Diabaté

A former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers who has emerged as a key part of the Charlotte Hornets' rotation over the past two seasons.

Jeff Peterson

The new general manager of the Charlotte Hornets who decided to give Diabaté a chance on a two-way deal in 2024.

Mark Williams

One of the three centers on the Hornets' roster when Diabaté joined the team.

Nick Richards

One of the three centers on the Hornets' roster when Diabaté joined the team.

Taj Gibson

One of the three centers on the Hornets' roster when Diabaté joined the team.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee

What’s next

The Hornets can offer Diabaté a 3-year, $51 million contract extension this summer, which would pay him as a high-end rotation big/low-end starter.

The takeaway

The Hornets' ability to find and develop Diabaté into a key contributor after he was let go by the Clippers is a testament to their scouting and player development efforts. Retaining Diabaté on a team-friendly deal would be a major win as they look to build a contender around LaMelo Ball.