Hornets’ Front Office Hire Revealed After Considering 76ers’ Brand

After putting together a multi-week search to replace Mitch Kupchak, the Charlotte Hornets have found their new Head of Basketball Operations.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hornets are planning to hire Brooklyn Nets executive Jeff Peterson to run the front office. The team is expected to make the official announcement sometime in the coming days.

When the Hornets initially launched a search for a new frontman, they looked into possibly bringing on Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Elton Brand.

At first, Brand was rumored to be a favorite candidate for the job, considering his experience leading the Sixers prior to Daryl Morey’s arrival. However, it was then revealed that Brand reached an extension with the 76ers’ organization, keeping him on board for years to come.

The Sixers’ decision to keep Brand on board long-term didn’t come as a surprise. Back when Daryl Morey signed an extension with the organization, he revealed that the next plan of action was to do the same with Brand, as the two have developed a strong partnership in the front office.

With Brand withdrawing himself from considering out in Charlotte, the Hornets zeroed in on a young executive in Peterson. 

Since 2019, Peterson has served as an Assistant GM to Nets GM Sean Marks. With his ability to help Brooklyn attract big-name free agents in the past, the Hornets are reportedly intrigued with his potential as he takes on a role with the rebuilding franchise.

This season, the Hornets are just 15-43, which places them 13th in the Eastern Conference, only ahead of the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons. The gap between the Hornets and the 12th-placed Toronto Raptors is six and a half games.

After the Hornets established themselves as sellers ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, it was clear they are focused on next season and beyond. With Peterson set to take over the front office soon, Charlotte will likely look to start turning things around for next year.