Charlotte Hornets sign G Pat Connaughton

Pat Connaughton's signing earns a D- Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a deal that offers minimal long-term value despite its modest financial footprint. At $2.57M annually, the contract is a league-minimum or near-minimum commitment—the kind of low-risk depth move teams make during the playoff push, especially with Charlotte sitting at 44-38 and chasing postseason positioning. However, a CVI in the D- range signals that even at this bargain price point, the production-to-salary ratio doesn't justify extended roster commitment; this is a short-term rental rather than a building block. The Hornets are essentially paying for depth and availability in a win-now window, which is sound roster management in March and April, but the grade reflects that Connaughton's on-court impact relative to his compensation isn't generating meaningful equity for the franchise. This is the type of transaction you make when you're desperate to shore up the rotation without sacrificing future flexibility—necessary, but not value-creating.