The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a five-year, $209 million contract extension with Brandon Miller, according to The Associated Press. The deal comes as the 23-year-old prepares for his fourth NBA season and follows a career-best year statistically.
Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season, while also managing a shoulder injury. Over his first three NBA seasons, he has averaged 19 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Charlotte selected him with the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, after San Antonio chose Victor Wembanyama first.
Miller could take on a larger role for the Hornets in the 2026-27 season. The source reports that LaMelo Ball was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the season, though it does not provide details of the transaction.
Miller’s path to the NBA included scrutiny over his connection to a fatal shooting near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in January 2023, during his only season with the University of Alabama. Prosecutors said Miller transported a firearm to former teammate Darius Miles, who owned the gun. Miles then gave it to Michael Lynn Davis, who was found guilty of shooting and killing 23-year-old Jamea Harris.
Miller was not charged with a crime. He testified at Davis’ capital murder trial that he brought the firearm to the scene in his vehicle, but said he did not know Miles intended to give it to Davis or that a shooting would take place. Miller also testified that bullets struck his windshield after gunfire began and that he was nearly hit.
According to the source, prosecutors presented text messages showing Miles had asked Miller to bring the gun. Miller was among four former Alabama men’s basketball players listed as potential witnesses before trial. He knew Davis through Miles, and Davis had spent time around the basketball team, including in the locker room.
News of Miller’s connection to the shooting drew hostile chants from opposing fans during his college season. At a game at South Carolina, fans shouted “lock him up,” the source reported. Miller responded with 41 points and an overtime game-winning shot. He said at the time that the team heard the chants and relied on one another to win in difficult settings.
Despite the controversy, the Hornets drafted Miller second overall. The new extension marks a major financial commitment by Charlotte to a player who has become one of its leading scorers.
