Charlotte Hornets Bring Back Former NBA Champion

The Hornets re-sign Pat Connaughton after a brief stint away from the team.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The Charlotte Hornets have re-signed veteran forward Pat Connaughton, who was previously waived by the team last week. Connaughton, a former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, provides valuable veteran leadership and outside shooting off the bench for the Hornets as they ride a nine-game winning streak.

Why it matters

Connaughton's experience and championship pedigree make him a valuable addition to the Hornets' roster as they push for the playoffs. His ability to space the floor and mentor younger players is seen as crucial for a team looking to maintain its recent hot streak.

The details

The Hornets waived Connaughton last week in order to free up a roster spot to acquire Tyus Jones and Xavier Tillman Sr. via trade. However, they have now re-signed Connaughton after waiving another recent acquisition, Malaki Branham. Connaughton has played limited minutes this season, averaging just 7 minutes per game, but his championship experience and 40% 3-point shooting make him a valuable depth piece.

  • The Hornets waived Connaughton last week.
  • The Hornets re-signed Connaughton on Monday.

The players

Pat Connaughton

A veteran forward who won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who previously worked with Connaughton in Milwaukee.

Tyus Jones

A point guard acquired by the Hornets in a recent trade.

Xavier Tillman Sr.

A forward acquired by the Hornets in a recent trade.

Malaki Branham

A player recently waived by the Hornets to make room for Connaughton's return.

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What they’re saying

“Although he's only played in 22 games this season, averaging seven minutes per game, Connaughton's impact in the locker room has been much more valuable.”

— Mack Baltes, Author

What’s next

The Hornets will look to extend their winning streak to 10 games when they face the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The takeaway

The Hornets' decision to re-sign Connaughton demonstrates their commitment to maintaining roster continuity and veteran leadership as they make a push for the playoffs. Connaughton's championship pedigree and ability to space the floor make him a valuable complementary piece for a team on a hot streak.