Kevin Knox‘s new contract with the Trail Blazers is an Exhibit 10 deal, Hoops Rumors has learned. That doesn’t mean Knox won’t have an opportunity to make Portland’s regular season roster, but if he does, he’ll be on a non-guaranteed, minimum-salary contract that only covers a single season.
If Knox is waived before the season begins, he’d be eligible to earn a bonus worth $75K if he signs a G League contract and spends at least 60 days with the Rip City Remix, Portland’s affiliate. Exhibit 10 contracts can also be converted into two-way deals, but that won’t be an option for Knox, who has five years of NBA service, making him ineligible to be a two-way player.
Most of the Trail Blazers’ recent free agent additions also received Exhibit 10 contracts. One exception is big man Duop Reath, whose deal includes an Exhibit 9 clause but not Exhibit 10 language. That suggests he may not be a candidate to join the Remix if he doesn’t make Portland’s regular season roster.
Here’s more from around the Northwest:
- The Timberwolves, who defeated Dallas on Thursday, are taking the preseason seriously, recognizing that it’s a good opportunity to establish early chemistry with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert healthy, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “If we don’t get something out of these games, you’re risking putting yourself behind the eight ball,” said head coach Chris Finch, adding that the team is looking to figure out its identity.
- One encouraging sign from the Timberwolves‘ preseason opener was that Nickeil Alexander-Walker picked up right where he left off last season, according to Chris Hine of The Star Tribune, who notes that the guard became a starter and important defender in the postseason. Alexander-Walker signed a two-year, $9MM contract in July to remain in Minnesota.
- Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman rounds up the highlights from the Thunder‘s media day earlier this week, passing along the most notable comments from head coach Mark Daigneault and many Oklahoma City players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
- In a separate story for The Oklahoman, Joe Mussatto goes more in depth on Vasilije Micic‘s first session with local reporters, sharing the explanation the new Thunder wing provided for why he felt the time was right to make the move from Europe to the NBA. According to Micic, he had serious talks with the Thunder a couple years ago, but felt he still had something to prove in the EuroLeague. “I wanted to come somewhere that someone knows me and someone really wanted me, and this is what happened this summer,” he said.
Alexander-Walker is a surprisingly gifted defender, and while he’s not the scoring genius of his cousin, he can put the ball in the hoop. Rooting for him to keep improving and reach his potential. Even if he’s only what he’s shown so far, his value as a 3&D player is there. He was an underrated pickup by the T-Wolves.
Minny needs a true PG. And to trade Rudy. While his value is still good.
A player like Nic Claxton is a much much better fit. KAT needs to play C. He can be a center that steps out. Can be more like Jokic really.
KAT is best when he gets his points. He can score on any big. He needs help on defensive end. Rudy is over kill lol. Cause he’s a true center. TWolves still figuring it out. ??????
Agreed on Kat, but don’t forget Conley is still there. He’s a true PG, but they do need another. Conley is almost certain for a visit to the IR once or twice during the year.
Knox has the size and skill set. To have a career as a rotation player. He just doesn’t have the desire. His heart is not in basketball. He just knows it pays well. wasted talent.
I want to see how how Chet looks. I’m reading he can win ROY …….
Didn’t like him at first. He’s got fight and talent. I see that now. Only thin as a wire. Still say he needs girth. Don’t get why he’s not on steak n potatoes.
OKC finally starting to show. What all their picks has gotten them.