Charlotte Hornets announced on July 7, 2026 that they have signed guard Ajayi and forward Boswell to two‑way contracts, immediately expanding the roster for both the NBA squad and the G‑League affiliate. The moves come as the Hornets try to translate a brief two‑game winning run into longer‑term stability.
Who are Ajayi and Boswell?
Ajayi, a 23‑year‑old guard from the University of Texas, spent last season averaging 8.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in the G‑League. Boswell, a 25‑year‑old forward out of Kansas State, posted 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 28 minutes per contest during his rookie year with the Greensboro Swarm. Both players bring perimeter shooting and interior defense that the Hornets have lacked, especially after a stretch of three straight defeats.
Why does the signing matter now?
The Hornets entered the last five games with a 2W‑0D‑3L record, the most recent being a 96‑110 loss to the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. That defeat highlighted gaps in bench scoring and rebounding, areas where Ajayi’s three‑point accuracy (38% last season) and Boswell’s rim protection could help. Head coach James Borrego has emphasized the need for versatile role players who can flip between the paint and the perimeter, and two‑way contracts give him flexibility to test them in both environments.
What could the two‑way contracts look like in practice?
Under the two‑way structure, Ajayi and Boswell can spend up to 45 days with the NBA roster while logging the majority of their minutes in the G‑League. This arrangement lets the Hornets plug short‑term injuries without committing a full roster spot. If either player shows a scoring burst—say, Ajayi dropping 15 points off the bench or Boswell grabbing a double‑double in the G‑League—they could earn a standard NBA contract before the season ends.
What’s next for Charlotte?
With the Hornets sitting on a two‑game winning streak, the front office hopes the new signings will keep the momentum alive as they head into a June‑heavy travel schedule. The next matchup against the Miami Heat will test the depth added by Ajayi and Boswell, especially in the fourth quarter when the Hornets have struggled to close games. If the two‑way players can contribute even a few points or defensive stops, Charlotte could turn the recent 2‑win run into a longer stretch of success.
The Hornets’ roster moves signal a proactive approach: adding young talent, preserving cap flexibility, and giving coach Borrego more tools for in‑game adjustments. As the season unfolds, fans will watch closely to see whether Ajayi’s shooting and Boswell’s shot‑blocking translate into tangible wins.