Hornets Signing Ish Smith; Waiving Edmond Sumner

The Hornets intend to sign veteran point guard Ish Smith, waiving guard Edmond Sumner to clear a roster spot, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Smith, 35, is 6-foot-0 and has played for 13 teams during his 14-year NBA career — including a previous stop with the Hornets in 2021-22.

He spent last season with the eventual champion Nuggets, appearing in 43 games before entering free agency this summer. Smith appeared in 65 games total in 2021-22, averaging 6.3 points and 3.8 assists.

In Charlotte, he is expected to help relieve starter LaMelo Ball following the injury to projected primary backup Frank Ntilikina.

Sumner, 27, is 6-4 and was on track to be one of just four players across the NBA to make an opening night roster despite entering training camp on a non-guaranteed deal. It appears that will no longer be the case.

He appeared in 53 games with the Nets last season, averaging 7.1 points and shooting 46 percent from the field, including 36 percent on 3-pointers.