CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Mitch Kupchak is out as Hornets general manager and president of basketball operations following a dismal 11-41 start to the 2024 NBA season, the team announced Monday.
Hornets send Gordon Hayward to Thunder for 3 players, 2 second-round draft picks
Kupchak will move into an advisory role. No immediate GM replacement has been announced. No decisions have been made yet on the future of head coach Steve Clifford.
“Mitch’s success as an NBA executive speaks for itself and we thank Mitch for all his work during his six years leading our basketball operations,” Hornets co-chairs Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin said. “His professionalism, integrity, and commitment have been a major benefit to our franchise. We have built a strong relationship with Mitch during our time as owners. We are thrilled that he will remain with the franchise in an advisory capacity as his experience and knowledge of the NBA will be a valuable resource for our team as we move forward.”
The move comes less than a week after the trading line saw Charlotte send Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last month Charlotte traded away Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, who they waived over the weekend.
Rookie Brandon Miller has been the one bright spot for the Hornets this season, nabbing a spot in the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars contest. The rookie out of Alabama is averaging nearly 17 points per game in 31 minutes. All-Star weekend begins this Friday in Indianapolis.
After signing a colossal $260 million, 5-year mega deal this past offseason, LaMelo Ball has missed several games with injury. Miles Bridges, who was arrested last year on domestic charges, returned from suspension and is averaging 21.7 PPG.
Kupchak has an extensive NBA past as both player and executive including three NBA championships as a player and seven titles as a Lakers executive, half of which came during the Kobe Bryant era.
The Hornets return to action Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center.
“As Mitch nears the end of his contract, we agreed that now was the right time to begin the search in order to put the organization in the best position for the upcoming offseason. We’re excited to begin the hiring process for our new head of basketball operations as we continue to shape this franchise and work towards building a team for long-term sustainable success. We will take a deliberate approach to the hiring process and will focus on making the best decision for the organization’s long-term future.”