In what was supposed to be a life-changing moment for him and one that he deserved, former North Carolina fan favorite Coby White had things temporarily ruined for him. After signing a massive $74 million extension with the Charlotte Hornets, rumors started flying that he essentially told the organization that if he wasn't going to start, he'd sign elsewhere.
Tar Heels tack on an additional Tobacco Road Rivalry game to non-conference schedule
With superstar point guard LaMelo Ball getting traded, there was buzz that White essentially was the reason Ball got shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Not so fast. With that speculation spreading like wildfire on social media, White was quick to clear things up with a short message. Clearly, he was annoyed by what was going on:
Coby White pushing back against the report he turned down a contract extension offer and was seeking a starting role elsewhere before the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball. https://t.co/joH00hNt8W
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) June 26, 2026
No, Coby White didn't have a role in LaMelo Ball getting traded by the Hornets
All it took was six words from White on X to get people to get off his back a bit. There were a lot of haters calling him out, too, which was why the talented guard felt the need to defend himself a bit. The situation as a whole just wasn't fair.
It also probably caused White some unneeded stress on what was supposed to be major news to celebrate. A first-round pick out of UNC in the 2019 NBA Draft, White has been a steady playmaker in the league, first with the Bulls and then with the Hornets last season. Charlotte rewarded White for a strong year with this handsome new contract.
During the 2026-27 campaign, the 6-4, 195-pounder averaged 17.4 points and 4.0 assists per night, which opened the door for the Hornets to make him happy with this new deal. As for Ball, he's no question a stud in this league - he's also a massive get for the Timberwolves, which no one is going to be able to argue with.
That also has nothing to do with White and his contract talks. This was never about him trying to push Ball out the door and make this about him. Folks can continue to push that narrative, but sorry, we're not buying things. This is also something the North Carolina faithful can go ahead and sweep under the rug, too, as no White disrespect is ever going to be tolerated.
White was a 5-star in-state prospect coming out of high school, making countless people happy when he decided to sign with UNC. White being one-and-done, and declaring for the draft after just one season in Chapel Hill was a bummer, but it also didn't surprise anyone. He took home All-ACC honors that year before becoming a Top 10 pick.
He's been so great to watch in the pros, consistently putting together some eye-opening performances. He's now going to stay in Charlotte, ready to thank the Hornets for the $74 million deal they just gave him. That's what White and his family should be focusing on, not worrying about all this Ball drama that has followed things.
Add us as a preferred source on Google