Ryan Nembhard is off the Charlotte Hornets roster as of Monday, Sept. 28, six days after hoopsrumors reported he was likely to be waived. The 23-year-old guard, who entered his second season, spent his rookie year running minutes behind Charlotte's starting backcourt.
The move
Nembhard is no longer on the Hornets' roster, confirmed by the official roster on Monday, Sept. 28. The move follows a Tuesday, Sept. 22 report from hoopsrumors, "Ryan Nembhard Likely To Be Waived By Hornets," with confidence not disclosed. The 23-year-old guard, entering his second NBA season, is now off the roster with Charlotte.
The money
Nembhard was set to earn $2.2 million in 2026-27, the only season on file for him. Charlotte's payroll for 2026-27 sits at $173.3 million across 18 contracts, over the $165.0 million salary cap but under the $200.4 million luxury tax. The Hornets remain below both the $209.0 million first apron and the $221.7 million second apron.
The fit
Nembhard averaged 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 19.5 minutes over 60 games last season. Charlotte's backcourt is set around Kon Knueppel (31.5 minutes, 18.5 points), LaMelo Ball (28.0 minutes, 20.1 points), Collin Sexton (22.3 minutes, 14.2 points) and Sion James (22.5 minutes, 5.4 points) from last season, with Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges also logging over 30 minutes. The Hornets carry 20 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Was Ryan Nembhard waived by the Hornets?
It is not announced. A Sept. 22 report from hoopsrumors said he was likely to be waived, and he is no longer on the roster as of Sept. 28, but no official transaction terms are on file.
What was Ryan Nembhard's role with Charlotte last season?
He played 60 games at 19.5 minutes per game, averaging 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists, behind a backcourt led by Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton.
How does this affect the Hornets' cap situation?
Charlotte's payroll is listed at $173.3 million across 18 contracts, over the $165.0 million cap but under the $200.4 million tax line, with Nembhard's $2.2 million 2026-27 salary on the books before the move.