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Hornets Keep Pat Connaughton, Waive Spencer Dinwiddie in Final Roster Call

Team officials highlight leadership value plus trade flexibility from his $9.4 million expiring deal.

Overview

  • Charlotte finalized its 15-man roster on Oct. 20 with Pat Connaughton retained and Spencer Dinwiddie waived ahead of opening night.
  • General manager Jeff Peterson said he initially told Connaughton he was unlikely to make the team, then praised his perseverance and professionalism.
  • Insider reporting says the front office sees Connaughton’s $9.4 million expiring contract as a potential trade chip before February’s deadline.
  • Coaches do not expect Connaughton to log heavy minutes to start the season, with the veteran viewed primarily as depth and a locker-room presence.
  • Connaughton arrived in a July trade from Milwaukee after picking up his 2025–26 player option, while Dinwiddie had a guaranteed one-year minimum deal and was cut to meet the roster limit.