Ryan Nembhard is expected to draw interest from multiple teams if the Charlotte Hornets waive him, with the Denver Nuggets among the teams viewed as a potential destination.
Marc Stein reported Tuesday that Nembhard could have several suitors for a two-way contract if Charlotte releases him, with Denver considered a prime candidate.
The possibility emerged after the Hornets acquired Nembhard from the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday as part of a trade centered on Dorian Finney-Smith. Charlotte received Finney-Smith from Atlanta in exchange for Buddy Hield, Nembhard and cash considerations.
Nembhard was previously acquired by Atlanta from the Dallas Mavericks in July as part of the trade that sent Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.
The 23-year-old guard spent his rookie season with the Mavericks in 2025-26, averaging 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 60 games while shooting 41.5% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range.
His most impressive production came in the G League with the Texas Legends. Nembhard appeared in six games and averaged 23.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists in 36.3 minutes per game.
Nembhard’s playmaking was also evident during his college career. After beginning at Creighton, he transferred to Gonzaga and averaged 9.6 assists per game as a senior in 2024-25.
The potential Denver connection is particularly notable because Nembhard already produced two memorable performances against the Nuggets during his rookie season.
Nembhard recorded a 28-point, 10-assist game in Denver and later delivered a 23-assist performance against the Chicago Bulls in the Mavericks’ season finale.
Denver could therefore view Nembhard as an option for its two-way group if he becomes available.
The Nuggets are coming off a 54-28 regular season but were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round. Their offseason included adding DeMar DeRozan, Tyus Jones, Marvin Bagley III and Alpha Diallo, while Peyton Watson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tim Hardaway Jr. joined the Miami Heat, Jonas Valanciunas joined Zalgiris Kaunas and Bruce Brown left in free agency.
For Charlotte, the expected decision on Nembhard is part of the roster crunch created by the Finney-Smith trade. The Hornets now have 18 players on standard contracts and must reduce that number to 15 before the regular season.
