Rumors

Despite the unfinished look of Spectrum Center’s phase two renovations, the Hornets and city leaders are “looking forward” to the results of the upgrades and “remain confident” the work will be finished in time for the Oct. 19 reopening, according to Chase Jordan of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. The total cost of the project is $245M and is “funded by the city of Charlotte’s tourism dollars,” which are collected from taxes on rental cars and hotel rooms. The uptown Charlotte project began in May 2024, and Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian said that the renos are “designed to elevate the guest experience for visitors.”

Sports Business Journal

Michael Scotto: The Charlotte Hornets are waiving two-way player Damion Baugh, league sources told @hoopshype . Charlotte is waiving Baugh to clear a spot for the addition of Antonio Reeves on a two-way contract.

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Charlotte Hornets Reddit: 🎙️ Grant Williams: "I was able to find my love for basketball again in Charlotte." "I'm in a great situation now in Charlotte, where these guys are driven to make (the Hornets) the best organization in the NBA. They really care about that, and it's truly passionate for them." 📈

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Grant Williams: I’m in a great situation here in Charlotte, where I really believe these guys — the front office, the coaching staff — they’re driven to make this team the best organization in the NBA. They care about that. It’s a real passion for them. And I hope to be a part of that process — to help build that. Because I’m from Charlotte. I care deeply about this team, this organization, and this entire process.

YouTube

Grant Williams: But in all honesty, it’s been the most refreshing thing I could’ve asked for in my NBA career. I was able to find my love for basketball again here in Charlotte. I rediscovered that passion, that care, that charisma to go out every single day and perform at my best. I was playing some of the best basketball of my career — especially right when I got traded here and at the start of the season. Then I got hurt… But even through that, I’ve been surrounded by community and support — not just from my family, but from the organization. Honestly, it’s given me extra life to play the game I love."

YouTube

But like every athlete facing a major decision, the choice is rarely simple. PG-13 himself pointed to two key factors that carry real weight: the city and the culture surrounding the team. On both fronts, the Hornets present a tough call — one George said he'd rather stay away from. "Listen, if I'm in free agency, I'm not picking Charlotte just because there's no winning culture there," the 76er emphasized. "Charlotte is an amazing city. Would love to play for it, because of the city — like, I can see myself living there. But in terms of a basketball standpoint, I'm not going. My career is over if I go there."

Yahoo! Sports

Full schedules will be announced in August, coinciding with the rest of the NBA's schedule rollout for the 2025-26 season. The groups: East Group A - Cleveland, Indiana, Atlanta, Toronto, Washington. East Group B - Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Brooklyn, Philadelphia. East Group C - Milwaukee, New York, Chicago, Miami, Charlotte. West Group A - Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Sacramento, Phoenix, Utah. West Group B - L.A. Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis, Dallas, New Orleans. West Group C - Houston, Denver, Golden State, Portland, San Antonio.

ESPN

According to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype, Nick Smith Jr. is a player they believe could be attainable on the trade market from Charlotte’s backcourt. Similar to Jock Landale who was recently waived by the Houston Rockets, the working assumption is Josh Okogie had his guarantee date pushed back to July 15th because the Hornets will look to include his salary in a potential trade and could waive him if nothing materializes. In addition, DaQuan Jeffries also has a non-guaranteed contract for the upcoming season, making him a candidate to be waived.

HoopsHype

Sam Perley: Liam McNeeley: "I'm living the dream. Now that I'm [in Charlotte], it's amazing. I think we've got a really good Summer League team. I know as a team, we've got something to prove, but also personally, I've got something to prove, too."

Twitter

Of the eight rejected bids, only two (Houston and Charlotte, N.C.) were backed by NBA team owners. The other six (St. Louis; Kansas City, Mo.; Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Miami; and Denver) sent proposals without support from NBA ownership. While Miami and Denver have NBA teams, the ownership was not involved in the WNBA bid.

Sportico

Jake Fischer: The 2030 second-round pick Utah is sending to Charlotte is the most favorable of Jazz/Clippers, per source, as Collin Sexton fills the Hornets' pursuit of backup guards.

Twitter

Jake Fischer: While the Hornets originally intended to trade one of their two picks here, Charlotte is keeping Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner, sources say.

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Jake Fischer: Chicago informed the league this morning they were fielding offers for No. 45, sources say. Other known spots open for trade: Charlotte, with one of Nos. 33, 34, Toronto (No. 39), Golden State (No. 41) and OKC (No. 44).

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Donatas Urbonas: Vasilije Micic, who’s been in the mix for multiple EuroLeague powerhouses, traded back to Charlotte which will excercise his team option, according to @espn.

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