The Charlotte Hornets have made it official with Kylan Boswell, signing the former Illinois guard to a two-way contract on Monday.
The team announced the move on social media, ending the uncertainty that had lingered since reports first surfaced after the 2026 NBA Draft. Boswell had drawn plenty of attention once the draft wrapped, even though Keaton Wagler was the only former Illini selected, going No. 5 overall.
A two-way deal carries more weight than an Exhibit 10 contract. Boswell will have some guaranteed money, and the Hornets are limited to three two-way spots, which says plenty about how they view him. The contract also gives him the ability to split time between Charlotte and its G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.
That setup should give Boswell a real runway in Summer League, which is set to begin in Las Vegas in a couple of days. He should see plenty of minutes and have a chance to settle into the roster.
Boswell is expected to begin the season in the G-League, but there’s a path to the Hornets if he keeps developing. Charlotte could use help in the backcourt, and that opens the door for him as the season goes on.
There’s also a familiar Illinois connection in the building. Coby White, who spent the first six and a half years of his career with the Chicago Bulls, has re-signed with the Hornets. White gives Boswell a useful example to follow, and the two share a similar style of play.
For Boswell, this is a meaningful first step. The contract is official now, and it gives the former Illinois point guard a real chance to build toward what could be a strong NBA career.
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