Hornets set to waive Nembhard, Nuggets among suitors

Charlotte is expected to waive rookie guard Ryan Nembhard after Tuesday's trade sent Dorian Finney-Smith to Atlanta for Buddy Hield, Nembhard and cash, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk and Shams Charania.

The Hornets carry 18 standard contracts and need to reach 15 by opening night, and Nembhard's expiring deal of just over $2.15M makes him a low-cost cut.

Denver is the favorite to sign Nembhard to a two-way deal once he clears waivers, per Marc Stein, with Boston, Chicago, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Sacramento and Washington also mentioned.

Jake Fischer floated Hield as another potential Charlotte cut, though his $9.66M guaranteed salary makes that costlier.

Nembhard averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists as a rookie for Dallas, and once dropped 28 points and 10 assists against the Nuggets.

$2.15M

+ 5 reports from 4 outlets

Hoops Rumors · 24 Sept 2026Nembhard's size could make him a Hornets waiver candidate

Heavy · 23 Sept 2026Nuggets seen as top landing spot if Hornets waive Nembhard

RealGM · 23 Sept 2026Nembhard expected to draw interest once Hornets waive him

Hoops Rumors · 23 Sept 2026Nembhard expected to be waived after landing in Charlotte

Yahoo Sports · 23 Sept 2026Hornets set to waive Nembhard, Nuggets among suitors

Ryan Nembhard

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Denver agreed to a two-way contract with Ryan Nembhard on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The Denver Post's Bennett Durando reported that KJ Simpson was waived to make room for him.

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Nuggets seen as top landing spot if Hornets release Nembhard

Ryan Nembhard cleared waivers Tuesday after Charlotte cut him following his arrival via the Buddy Hield-Dorian Finney-Smith trade. Marc Stein reports several teams are interested in signing him, with Denver among the most interested in a two-way deal.