The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to sign free agent guard Antonio Reeves to a two-way contract, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. This move follows Reeves’ unexpected waiver by the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this month, opening a new opportunity for the 24-year-old rookie to continue his NBA journey with Charlotte.

Antonio Reeves’ Rookie Season and G League Performance

Selected 47th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Reeves appeared in 44 games for the Pelicans during his rookie campaign. He averaged 6.9 points and 1.4 rebounds across 15 minutes per game, showcasing his shooting ability with a .456 field goal percentage, a .395 mark from three-point range, and .800 from the free-throw line. Outside the NBA, Reeves also impressed in the G League, posting 24.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently for the Birmingham Squadron, New Orleans’ affiliate team.

Roster Changes Required for Reeves’ Signing

Charlotte currently lacks an available two-way contract slot, so the Hornets must waive either KJ Simpson, Damion Baugh, or Drew Peterson to make room. Peterson was only recently signed, suggesting that Simpson or Baugh, both returning players from last season, are likely candidates to be released. Notably, Simpson earned All-Summer League second-team honors, while Baugh contributed well to the summer league championship squad in Las Vegas.

Impact and Next Steps for Reeves and the Hornets

Reeves’ addition provides the Hornets with a promising guard who has demonstrated scoring ability at both the NBA and G League levels. For Charlotte, bringing in Reeves under a two-way contract may boost their developmental depth and offer flexibility as the season unfolds. The Pelicans’ choice to waive Reeves came after a front office transition, a factor that likely influenced the move. Moving forward, monitoring roster adjustments will reveal how Reeves fits into Charlotte’s plans for the 2024/25 campaign.