When the Los Angeles Clippers declined to retain Moussa Diabaté during the summer of 2024, the move barely registered as a blip on the NBA radar. The former second-round selection had appeared in just 33 games, contributing a modest 2.7 points per contest on 51.5% shooting. To most observers, including the Clippers' own fan community, this decision represented the natural conclusion for a player who seemed unlikely to establish himself as a legitimate NBA contributor.
The sentiment within the Clippers' digital ecosystem, particularly on platforms like the team's subreddit, reflected widespread skepticism about second-round prospects. Comments from supporters ranged from pragmatic acceptance to blunt dismissal. One fan's remark encapsulated the prevailing mood: "He's not an NBA player. It's as simple as that. No hate. Wish him the best." Another advised fellow supporters to temper expectations, noting that second-round selections rarely evolve into reliable rotation pieces.
This perception, however, would soon face a dramatic reversal.
The Charlotte Hornets, under the newly installed leadership of general manager Jeff Peterson, viewed Diabaté through a different lens. Despite already rostering three established big men in Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and veteran Taj Gibson, Peterson's front office identified untapped potential in the young forward. The decision to offer a two-way contract represented minimal financial risk while preserving significant upside. Non-guaranteed and low-investment, the move aligned with modern NBA asset management strategies.
Fast forward eighteen months, and that calculated gamble has blossomed into one of the league's most impressive developmental success stories.
Diabaté didn't merely secure a standard NBA roster spot—he systematically outperformed the three centers ahead of him on the depth chart. His ascent culminated in a full contract conversion, but the forward momentum didn't stop there. In his sophomore campaign with the Hornets, the Michigan alumnus has elevated every facet of his statistical profile, posting career-best averages of 8.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Advanced metrics reveal an even more compelling narrative. Diabaté ranks ninth league-wide in offensive rebounds per contest and leads the entire NBA in offensive rebound opportunities. The Hornets' performance differential with him on the floor proves equally striking: the team corrals offensive boards at a nine percent higher rate during his minutes compared to his time on the bench.
The impact extends beyond rebounding. Charlotte outperforms opponents by eight points per 100 possessions when Diabaté plays versus when he sits. This net rating places him within the league's most impactful role players. His standing in daily plus-minus—a sophisticated metric designed to isolate individual contribution by filtering contextual noise—ranks 112th across all NBA players. This positions him ahead of established names like Darius Garland, Jalen Duren, Mikal Bridges, Paolo Banchero, and Trey Murphy.
The conversation has shifted from whether Diabaté belongs in the league to how much his next contract will command.
Currently in year two of a three-year, $5.7 million agreement signed last February, Diabaté earns $2.27 million this season. This figure represents extraordinary value for Charlotte, but the financial landscape will inevitably change. When the 2025 offseason arrives, the Hornets must decide how heavily to invest in their emerging frontcourt piece.
Contract negotiations will operate under specific constraints. As analyst James Plowright noted, Charlotte can offer a maximum of 140% of the league's average salary, which currently projects to approximately $17 million annually. This figure serves as the theoretical ceiling for an extension, though free agency could drive the price higher if other franchises enter the bidding.
The $16-18 million annual range places Diabaté in interesting company. Current players earning comparable compensation include Bogdan Bogdanović, Jordan Clarkson, Klay Thompson, Kevin Huerter, Keldon Johnson, Patrick Williams, Zach Collins, Andrew Nembhard, Ivica Zubac, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Santi Aldama, Malik Monk, and Collin Sexton. This tier consists primarily of veteran contributors and emerging starters—precisely the role Diabaté appears ready to fill.
Several factors will influence his ultimate valuation. His age—still early in his developmental curve—suggests room for growth. His specific skill set, particularly elite offensive rebounding and defensive versatility, fits modern NBA priorities. Teams increasingly value players who create extra possessions and switch across multiple positions.
The Hornets' strategic position adds another layer of complexity. Retaining homegrown talent typically proves more cost-effective than acquiring equivalent production through free agency or trades. However, Charlotte must balance this against their broader salary cap situation and long-term competitive timeline.
Two primary scenarios emerge for Diabaté's financial future. First, he could accept a team-friendly extension this summer, securing long-term stability while allowing Charlotte to maintain flexibility. This path would likely land in the three-year, $51 million range mentioned in reports, with potential incentives and player options structuring the deal.
Alternatively, Diabaté could bet on himself, complete his current contract, and enter unrestricted free agency in 2026. This approach carries risk—injury or regression could diminish his market—but also offers substantial reward. A strong 2025-26 season could push his annual value well beyond the $17 million threshold, especially with the salary cap's projected growth.
The Hornets' front office faces a delicate calculation. Waiting too long could price them out of the market, especially if Diabaté continues his upward trajectory. Acting prematurely might mean overpaying before fully confirming his long-term fit alongside cornerstone pieces like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Historical precedent offers mixed signals. Second-round picks who blossom into rotation mainstays often secure deals ranging from the mid-level exception to near-maximum extensions, depending on their role and production timeline. Diabaté's combination of youth, athleticism, and demonstrated impact suggests he'll command compensation closer to the upper end of that spectrum.
Charlotte's player development infrastructure deserves credit for this transformation. The coaching staff's ability to identify and cultivate Diabaté's strengths—particularly his rebounding instincts and defensive positioning—has accelerated his growth beyond what many scouts projected. This success story reinforces the value of patience and strategic investment in young talent.
For Diabaté personally, the journey from second-round afterthought to potential eight-figure annual earner represents a testament to perseverance and adaptability. His willingness to embrace a specific role, master the nuances of NBA spacing, and contribute in ways that don't always appear in traditional box scores has made him indispensable to Charlotte's competitive identity.
The broader league landscape will watch this situation closely. As teams increasingly prioritize cost-controlled assets and developmental pathways, Diabaté's case study provides a blueprint for extracting value from overlooked prospects. His success could encourage more franchises to invest in two-way players with specific, translatable skills rather than chasing higher-profile names with limited flexibility.
As the 2025 offseason approaches, expect contract discussions to intensify. The Hornets will likely explore extension talks early, hoping to secure their emerging big man before market dynamics shift in his favor. Diabaté's representation, meanwhile, will weigh the security of a guaranteed deal against the potential windfall of free agency.
One thing remains certain: the player once dismissed as a non-NBA talent has evolved into a foundational piece for Charlotte's future. Whether his next contract reflects the $17 million valuation or climbs even higher, Moussa Diabaté has already proven his doubters spectacularly wrong. The only remaining question is how much that proof will cost the Hornets.