The Charlotte Hornets have added forward Brandon Slater, with HoopsHype reporting the free-agent signing on Friday.
Slater, 26, began his professional career in the G League with the Maine Celtics after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. He averaged 8.3 points and 3.0 rebounds across 30 games in his rookie campaign while shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range.
In 2024, the Villanova product signed with Lavrio Megabolt of the Greek Basketball League, where he logged 7.4 points per game on 35.9 percent shooting from deep.
Before turning pro, Slater played five seasons at Villanova, helping the Wildcats win two Big East titles and reach the 2022 NCAA Final Four. His development as a reliable wing defender and spot-up shooter earned him attention from NBA teams looking to strengthen their bench units.
Charlotte enters the 2025–26 season with several new faces, including rookies Kon Knueppel, Sion James, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. The franchise is focusing on building depth after multiple injuries last year derailed its rotation.
Slater’s arrival adds another option to a forward group that features Miles Bridges, Liam McNeeley, and Moussa Diabaté.
The Hornets are aiming to rebound from consecutive losing seasons and will lean on LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Collin Sexton once healthy. Slater, likely to compete for a reserve or two-way spot, offers shooting and length that align with the team’s new direction.
