Rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner works toward a key rotation spot, while LaMelo Ball sharpens leadership skills for success alongside Collin Sexton.

During a time of year when most Americans clock out of work and dive into a body of water somewhere, the Charlotte Hornets' President of Basketball Operations has been wheeling and dealing. A flurry of trades,

The 19-year-old is a part of a crowded draft class for the Hornets, joining UConn guard Liam McNeeley (29th pick), James (33rd pick) and Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner (34th pick). They are each highly touted and project to be players the team can build around.

The Charlotte Hornets have signed free agent forward Drew Peterson to a two-way contract to add more offensive firepower.

The one move the Hornets could make that would turn heads around the NBA would be extending center Mark Williams, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has reportedly signed a multiyear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Jordan Brand.

The Charlotte Hornets have released guard RaeQuan Battle, who was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract this offseason. Battle played with the Hornets' Summer League team but did not make the final roster.

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Utah Jazz in their first Las Vegas Summer League game on Friday, 111-105. Liam McNeeley, the Hornets' rookie first-round draft pick, helped steer the ship in a tight one, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.

No. 34 overall pick Ryan Kalkbrenner reportedly signed a four-year, $9.97 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.