The expansion draft for the construction of the Charlotte Bobcats, recognized at the time as the 30th NBA franchise, was held on June 22, 2004. The Bobcats selected 19 players from other teams' unprotected players lists and constructed their squad for what was regarded at the time as their inaugural season. This was the second time an expansion draft was held for a Charlotte NBA franchise; prior to starting the, the Bobcats reacquired the history, and name, of the original Charlotte Hornets (1988–2002) franchise. The original team had relocated to New Orleans prior to starting the, operating as the New Orleans Hornets. Prior to starting the, the New Orleans Hornets were renamed the New Orleans Pelicans, and relinquished the rights to the Hornets name and pre-New Orleans history after season's end.

Key

Selections

Trades

Pre-draft trades

Prior to the day of the draft, the following trades were made and resulted in exchanges of future draft picks between the teams, along with a particular agreement in the expansion draft.

Draft-day trades

The following trades involving drafted players were made on the day of the draft.