Hornets waive former lottery pick Rob Dillingham one day after trading for him

The Charlotte Hornets waived guard Rob Dillingham on Monday, just one day after acquiring him from the Chicago Bulls, the team announced. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the move, which followed the Hornets’ media day.

The waiver ends a 48-hour stay in Charlotte for the 21-year-old. Chicago sent Dillingham to the Hornets on Sunday for veteran guard Buddy Hield and cash, with the deal framed as a cost-cutting play. Charlotte was carrying 17 players on standard contracts even after waiving fellow guard Ryan Nembhard; the Dillingham move trims the roster to 16.

Dillingham was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft and a former Kentucky standout. He began his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to Chicago midway through his second season in the Ayo Dosunmu deal.

Across two NBA seasons he has averaged 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 114 games, per Rookie Wire and Reuters. In 2025/26 he posted 6.3 points and 2.2 assists across 65 appearances, though his shooting dipped to 39.6% from the field and 31.6% from three.

If unclaimed, Dillingham becomes an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. Charlotte remains on the hook for his $6.89 million salary for 2026/27, while his $8.76 million team option for 2027/28 will be declined once he clears waivers. He can sign with any team except the Bulls, and with just two years of NBA service remains eligible for a two-way contract.