Coby White is a Charlotte Hornet thanks to what many believe is a masterful move by team president Jeff Peterson. The former Chicago Bull should arguably have a tremendous impact off the bench with his scoring ability and off-ball versatility. Still, there is a dilemma that Charlotte will have to face at the end of the season — White is on an expiring contract.
The question comes down to: What is Peterson's vision for White long-term? Do they value him enough to extend him in the offseason? Or is this a half-season rental? Let's dive into it.
The contract situation
According to Spotrac, White is earning $12.88 million for the 2025–26 season, making him the fifth‑highest‑paid player on the roster. That number isn’t a problem for Charlotte, at least not right now.
The real complication is what comes next. Several reports have indicated that White will be seeking roughly $30 million per year this summer, a price tag that forces the Hornets to make a far tougher decision than the trade itself.
Is White worth it?
Whether White is worth that kind of investment hinges almost entirely on what he shows over the next 30 games. At his peak, he looks like a dynamic combo guard who can pressure the rim, get to the free‑throw line, and knock down threes at a respectable clip.
But if Charlotte is going to even consider paying anything close to White's potential asking price, he has to prove he can deliver that level of impact consistently. For every high‑volume scoring burst, there's a cold stretch that has stalled his momentum, and that volatility is exactly what makes this evaluation so tricky for a team trying to find a backup guard to LaMelo Ball at the right price.
The fact of the matter is, the No. 1 offseason priority target will be Brandon Miller, who will be eligible for an extension. That deal won't come cheap if it gets done, as Miller has been on a rampage as of late. When you consider the draft capital that was sent in the package alongside Sexton, you have to think the idea is to extend him in the offseason.
If the Hornets make the play‑in or playoffs with White playing a meaningful role, it’s hard to imagine Peterson viewing him as just a three‑month rental. The Hornets lead executive has already gone on record to say that he wants the new Hornet to be in Charlotte "for a very long time."
Tying White up to anything close to $30 million, however, becomes very unpleasant at first glance. But White could be the sixth man the Hornets desperately need.