Connaughton's spot could cost Salaun his in Charlotte

The Hornets would like to keep veteran Pat Connaughton, a valued locker-room leader on a non-guaranteed deal, but to do so they may have to trade or waive Tidjane Salaun, the No. 6 pick in 2024, Jake Fischer reports. Fischer hears Salaun has improved but hasn't played well in the preseason and now realistically projects as a possible rotation player, after Charlotte once saw star-level upside. Liam McNeeley could also be vulnerable. In Dallas, keeping Dwight Powell, whose $1MM partial guarantee rises to $1.5MM on opening night, might cost a young player such as Moussa Cisse.