Hornets unlikely to bring back Rich Cho as general manager
— -- The Charlotte Hornets are unlikely to bring back general manager Rich Cho on a new contract next season, league sources told ESPN.
Hornets owner Michael Jordan is expected to pursue former Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak to partner in the front office with assistant GM Buzz Peterson, essentially replacing Cho, league sources said.
Cho joined Charlotte as GM in 2011 after spending less than a year in Portland as GM in 2010.
Peterson is a former roommate of Jordan's at the University of North Carolina, and Kupchak is a former All-American at UNC.
The Hornets have had no contact with Kupchak on a possible position, league sources said. Kupchak won two NBA titles as Lakers GM before he was swept out in 2017 upon the arrival of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.
Jordan has long had an affinity for surrounding himself with fellow Tar Heels, and his plan includes Peterson remaining one of the key -- if not the key -- decision-maker in basketball matters. Charlotte could be pursuing Kupchak to further groom Peterson to take over full control of basketball operations, but the specifics of a role has not even been discussed with Kupchak, league sources said.
Kupchak has a reputation of never discussing a job opening that includes someone still in place -- such as Charlotte, with Cho.
Charlotte could miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season with a payroll that ranks 10th in the NBA at $117 million. Charlotte has a projected $119 million payroll for the 2018-19 season, with every player under contract except Michael Carter-Williams and Treveon Graham.
Cho was promoted over former president of basketball operations Rod Higgins on draft night in 2014. Charlotte made two trips to the playoffs during Cho's tenure -- in 2014 and 2016.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford, who missed part of the season with severe headaches, has a year left on a contract that pays him north of $3 million per year. Clifford has had a strong relationship with Jordan.
Cho, 52, has worked in front offices for more than 20 years, including under Sam Presti in Seattle and Oklahoma City.
