Ryan Nembhard Likely To Be Waived By Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are expected to waive point guard Ryan Nembhard after acquiring him from the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The trade sent Dorian Finney-Smith to Atlanta in exchange for Nembhard, Buddy Hield, and cash. Charlotte currently has 18 players on standard contracts and must reduce its roster to 15 players ahead of opening night.

Nembhard holds an expiring $2,150,917 guaranteed salary for the 2026/27 season. If waived, multiple teams are reportedly interested in signing him to a two-way contract, including the Denver Nuggets. Charlotte already has depth at point guard with Coby White, Dennis Schröder, and Christian Anderson Jr.