BREAKING: Hornets agree to contract with ex-Timberwolves, Pistons guard

The Charlotte Hornets are signing guard Wendell Moore Jr. to a two-way contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, adding depth to their backcourt as they continue to develop young talent.

Moore Jr., 23, was the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after a standout career at Duke. He spent his first two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, appearing in 54 games and averaging 1.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 4.2 minutes per game in a limited role.

This past offseason, Minnesota traded Moore Jr. to the Detroit Pistons along with the 37th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft in exchange for the 53rd pick and salary relief. With Detroit, he saw an increased role, averaging 3.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 10.2 minutes per game while shooting 46% from the field over 20 appearances. However, his time with the Pistons was brief, as the team waived him on February 6.

Hornets sign guard Wendell Moore Jr. to a two-way contract

The Hornets, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 13-39 record, have focused on developing young talent amid an injury-plagued season. With backcourt absences due to injuries and roster changes, Wendell Moore Jr. could have an opportunity to take on an expanded role as Charlotte assesses its future roster.

Under his two-way contract, Moore Jr. will split time between the Hornets and their G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. He is eligible to play in up to 50 NBA games this season while continuing his development in the G League.

As the NBA All-Star break continues in San Francisco, the Hornets are set to return to action on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) at Crypto.com Arena. It remains unclear if Moore Jr. will be available for the game, but his signing adds another young asset to Charlotte’s rebuilding efforts.