3 Disastrous mistakes the Charlotte Hornets must avoid this summer

#1 Failing to agree on a contract extension with LaMelo Ball

Ok, so failing to ink LaMelo Ball to a contract extension this summer isn’t the end of the world. After all, the budding superstar will still be a restricted-free agent next summer. Still, the fact of the matter is you always want to lock down your best players at the earliest opportunity rather than give other teams a chance to dictate the market.

Granted, as a restricted free agent, there is almost no chance that the Hornets don’t match whatever offer sheet LaMelo signs next season. But why even let things get that far? It’s far better for the relationship between the franchise and the player if they agree to an extension ahead of time. Put simply, make LaMelo feel wanted, and show him you’re committed to helping him fulfill his career goals – which likely means developing a contender roster.

Fortunately, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, there are some early indications that LeMelo will sign an extension during the offseason.

"“I don’t believe there’s a clear-cut favorite after [Victor] Wembanyama,” Marks wrote. “There’s an argument that Charlotte should not go [Scoot] Henderson with LaMelo Ball on the roster and likely to sign an extension in the offseason.”"

So, while not inking LaMelo to a contract extension isn’t an immediate disaster, it could sew the seeds of discontent, and that should certainly be avoided at all costs.