The Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard James Bouknight to a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract, the team announced today in a press release.
According to Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report (Twitter link), the plan is for Bouknight to be waived before the regular season begins and report to the Rip City Remix, Portland’s G League affiliate. His Exhibit 10 contract will make him eligible for a bonus worth up to $77.5K (on top of his standard NBAGL salary) if he spends at least 60 days with the Remix.
The 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Bouknight never developed into a reliable rotation player for the Hornets, averaging 4.8 points and 1.7 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game across 79 career appearances. His shooting line during that time was just .363/.335/.762.
Bouknight also had some legal troubles after making his NBA debut, and battled injuries. The 24-year-old underwent surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee last October and had his fourth-year option for 2024/25 declined a few weeks later. He was subsequently waived in February when the Hornets needed to open up roster spots to accommodate the incoming players in their Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington trades.
Portland now has 20 players under contract, including 14 on guaranteed salaries, Devonte’ Graham and Dalano Banton on non-guaranteed deals, and three players on two-ways.