Hornets' offseason: key moves and player impact

The Charlotte Hornets' offseason journey after the NBA Draft focuses on roster changes and player development. The articles explore key moves and player performances during the summer league. The team waived Josh Okogie after efforts to trade him failed, subsequently signing Drew Peterson to a two-way contract. This adjustment impacts the Hornets' roster composition, leaving them with decisions on which players make the final cut.

In the summer league, rookie Kon Knueppel struggled initially but aims to improve his performance in upcoming games. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton are expected to thrive together under coach Charles Lee, who emphasizes teamwork and competitiveness. Second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner finds an opportunity to join Charlotte's rotation, being one of the few true centers on the team. His defensive skills are anticipated to be a strong asset for the Hornets. Tidjane Salaün's offseason training shows his commitment to growth, which he hopes will translate to better performance next season.

Injured Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Okogie gives instructions to his teammate during the team’s game against the San Antonio Spurs at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Friday, February 7, 2025. The Hornets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 117-116. By JEFF SINER

NO. 1: HOW WAIVING JOSH OKOGIE, SIGNING DREW PETERSON AFFECTS THE HORNETS’ ROSTER

Traded to Charlotte in January, Josh Okogie appeared in 16 games and made six starts, averaging 8.9 points and 2.7 rebounds. | Published July 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Roderick Boone

Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaün. By Roderick Boone

NO. 2: HOW A PERSONAL SUMMER SCHOOL HAS TIDJANE SALAüN EAGER TO SHOW AND SILENCE CRITICS

Next step in offseason training for Hornets’ second-year forward takes place in the Las Vegas Summer League. | Published July 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Roderick Boone

Charlotte Hornets introduce its newes players Ryan Kalkbrenner, left, Sion James, Liam McNeely, Kon Knueppel, second from right, during the presser Friday, June 27, 2025. On the right is coach Charles Lee.

NO. 3: WHY ONE HORNETS ROOKIE MAY HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES THAN TYPICAL NBA SECOND-ROUND PICK

The Charlotte Hornets are thin on big men, which could mean a bigger role more quickly for former Big East defensive stalwart Ryan Kalkbrenner. | Published July 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hunter Bailey

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel shoots a free throw in the fourth quarter of Friday night’s 111-105 win over Utah in Las Vegas Summer League. By Roderick Boone

NO. 4: WHAT THE HORNETS HAD TO SAY ABOUT NBA SUMMER LEAGUE OPENER IN LAS VEGAS

Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Sion James made their pro debuts against the Utah Jazz on Friday night. | Published July 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Roderick Boone

Jul 12, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Charlotte Hornets players Spencer Dinwiddie, Josh Okogie, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann sit courtside for the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

NO. 5: HORNETS COACH DETAILS HOW LAMELO BALL, COLLIN SEXTON CAN FLOURISH IN SAME BACKCOURT

Charlotte coach Charles Lee spoke to The Observer about LaMelo Ball’s leadership, adding Collin Sexton, impressions of Charlotte’s 2025 draft class and more. | Published July 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Roderick Boone

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.