The Charlotte Hornets have officially acquired the draft rights to Liam McNeeley, the No. 29 overall pick from the Phoenix Suns, as part of a significant trade. The deal also included the Hornets receiving a 2029 first-round pick and guard Vasa Micic, while sending center Mark Williams and a 2029 second-round pick to Phoenix. McNeeley, celebrated for his impressive college career and recognized as the Big East Freshman of the Year, is anticipated to make an immediate impact as the Hornets prepare for the upcoming NBA Summer League.

With a solid average of 14.5 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 assists during his freshman year, McNeeley's performance has drawn comparisons to established NBA stars. His career-high 38-point game showcases his potential as a scoring threat. Excited about joining the Hornets, he looks forward to collaborating with fellow draft picks and familiar opponents as he transitions into professional play.

The Charlotte Hornets have made a perplexing decision by opting not to tender a qualifying offer to guard Tre Mann, thus making him an unrestricted free agent. This move comes on the heels of acquiring Collin Sexton, which seems to further muddy the Hornets' backcourt strategy. Mann, who had shown promising potential with his 14.1 points per game last season on 40% shooting from three in a limited role, is now free to explore other opportunities, raising questions about the team's long-term vision.

For a franchise that struggles with scoring consistency, letting go of a young player like Mann, who is just 23 years old, could prove detrimental. The decision could stem from financial considerations, as the Hornets are committed to significant salaries for LaMelo Ball and others. While there might be a logic behind the redundancy with Sexton, losing Mann for nothing leaves the team vulnerable as contenders in the highly competitive NBA landscape.

The Phoenix Suns have made significant changes this offseason, starting with a blockbuster trade sending Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, a 2025 first-round pick, and multiple second-rounders. They selected Duke's Khaman Maluach with their 10th pick and acquired Mark Williams from Charlotte, addressing frontcourt concerns. Williams, despite injury risks, offers a reliable scoring and defensive presence, essential after last season's struggles.

As they gear up for free agency, the Suns aim to further bolster their roster around Devin Booker, hoping to shift from a disappointing season to one filled with promise.

The 2025 NBA Draft showcased surprising twists, with the Boston Celtics emerging as a dominant force after acquiring Anfernee Simons, a move that could redefine their offensive strategies. The Chicago Bulls also made headlines by selecting rising star Noa Essengue, hinting at a bright future. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets' draft picks could bolster their playoff contention, adding depth to a roster in need of fresh talent. Notably, the Miami Heat secured the night's biggest steal, enhancing their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has made headlines since being drafted fourth overall, largely due to his impressive freshman year at Duke. He averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc. His solid performance included notable games, like a season-high 28 points against Syracuse. Knueppel credits his success to learning from fellow teammates and adapting his playstyle to contribute to team victories.

Ranked among the top shooters in this year's draft, he believes he offers more than just long-range shooting. Knueppel's skills in ball screens and creating plays put him in a unique position to impact games in multiple ways. As part of a talented draft class for the Hornets—including Liam McNeeley and Ryan Kalkbrenner—Knueppel is eager to start his NBA journey in the Summer League.