The 2026 NBA Draft was solid for the Illinois basketball program, as Keaton Wagler went No. 5 overall.
Even though he was the only former Illini to get drafted, there was a lot of action with players after the draft concluded. One of the players to get a ton of interest was Kylan Boswell.
There were reports of Boswell signing a contract with the Charlotte Hornets, but nothing was official. Well, on Monday, the Hornets posted on social media that they have officially signed Boswell to a two-way contract.
OFFICIAL: We’ve signed Kylan Boswell to a two-way contract.@BamBam_Boz | @greensboroswarm pic.twitter.com/FALhPNeEmN
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 6, 2026
A two-way contact has more teeth to it than an Exhibit 10 deal. Boswell will at least have some guaranteed money coming his way, and each franchise is only allowed up to three two-way contracts, so it shows how much the Hornets think of Boswell.
Boswell’s two-way contract also allows him to play with both the Hornets and their G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm.
With this deal, Boswell can play a little more freely in the NBA Summer League that is about to kick off in Las Vegas in a couple of days. I look for him to get a lot of playing time and work with the summer league roster.
There is no doubt in my mind that Boswell will start off in the G-League this season. Don’t be surprised if he does make the jump to the Hornets throughout the season, though. Charlotte is in desperate need of help in the backcourt.
Kylan Boswell has a chance to learn from another player who has some roots in Illinois
It is really tough to go into a situation when a team has little direction. I know the Hornets made the play-in tournament this season, but that is the best they have done in a while.
Charlotte did get smart and got rid of some of the bad eggs. Left over is talent and experience, like Coby White.
White spent the first six and a half years with the Chicago Bulls, and he has now re-signed with the Hornets. That is big for the franchise, and he is a great mentor for someone like Boswell on the court. The style of play is similar, and White can help Boswell develop at the NBA level.
It is great to see Boswell lock in his two-way contact. This is just the first step in what should be a solid NBA career for the former Illinois point guard.
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