Brandon Miller Signs $209 Million Extension with Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller, the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has agreed to a five-year, $209 million contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets. The deal comes as Miller prepares for his fourth season in the league and follows a career year in which he averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, despite playing through a shoulder injury. Across his three seasons, Miller has averaged 19 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

With the trade of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miller is expected to assume a more prominent role for the Hornets in the upcoming 2026-27 season. Miller was drafted after the San Antonio Spurs selected Victor Wembanyama first overall in 2023. His draft stock had previously been impacted by a controversy during his final college season at Alabama.

In January 2023, Miller was involved in an incident related to the death of a 23-year-old woman. Court documents revealed that Miller transported a firearm, which was the murder weapon, to his former teammate Darius Miles, the gun's legal owner. Miles then provided the weapon to Michael Lynn Davis, who was later convicted in the shooting death of Jamea Harris. While Miller was not accused of any wrongdoing, prosecutors presented text messages indicating Miles had asked Miller to bring the gun to the location. Miller testified in court that he transported the gun in his vehicle but stated he was unaware of Miles' intentions, that the gun would be given to Davis, or that a shooting would occur. He also testified that two bullets struck his windshield shortly after the incident. Miller was never charged with a crime and did not receive any special considerations for his cooperation.

Miller was one of four individuals associated with the Alabama men's basketball program listed as potential witnesses before the trial. Davis was an acquaintance whom Miller met through Miles. Davis had connections with the basketball team, including time spent in the locker room with Miles. After his single season with the Crimson Tide, Miller was selected by the Hornets. The connection to the shooting led to backlash from opposing team fans, including chants during a game at South Carolina. Miller responded to the taunts by scoring 41 points and hitting the game-winning shot in overtime.

Clearing him of any criminal involvement, the situation did not affect Miller's draft position, and the Hornets selected him with the expectation that his collegiate performance would translate to the NBA. His performance has seemingly validated that decision, leading to this significant contract extension.