The Charlotte Hornets cleared a backcourt roster spot Friday, waiving veteran guard Pat Connaughton after one season with the club.
Connaughton’s brief Charlotte run ends
President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson announced the move on October 16, 2026. Connaughton had arrived from Milwaukee in a July 6, 2026 trade, but his Hornets stint lasted 42 games.
- Connaughton posted 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game for Charlotte last season.
- He appeared in 42 contests after joining the Hornets from the Bucks.
- The move removes an experienced reserve guard from Charlotte’s rotation picture.
Veteran résumé behind the roster move
Connaughton, a Notre Dame product from Arlington, Massachusetts, entered the league as the 41st selection in the 2015 NBA Draft, picked by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Across 11 NBA seasons, he has played 637 regular-season games, including 72 starts. His career line stands at 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 18.4 minutes per game.
- 2015 NBA Draft: No. 41 overall, Portland Trail Blazers.
- NBA experience: 637 games over 11 seasons.
- Career production: 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
- Championship: Won the 2021 NBA title with Milwaukee.
Teammate recognition followed last season
Even in a limited role in Charlotte, Connaughton was named among the 12 finalists for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award last season, recognition tied to his standing inside the locker room.
With the waiver, the Hornets move forward without a veteran who brought playoff and championship experience, while Connaughton heads back onto the market looking for his next NBA opportunity.
