9:05pm: Muoka’s release is listed on the NBA’s official transaction log, indicating that the Blazers have formally signed and waived him.
2:56pm: The Trail Blazers are signing free agent center David Muoka to an Exhibit 10 contract and will subsequently waive him, reports Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report (Twitter link).
Muoka’s agent Josh Goodwin confirmed (via Twitter) that his client is signing with Portland, noting that he’ll become the first player born in Hong Kong to ink an NBA contract.
After going undrafted out of UNLV in 2023, Muoka spent his rookie season with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate. He averaged 4.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 14.7 minutes per game across 38 outings for Long Island in the Showcase Cup and regular season.
Because Muoka finished last season with the Nets’ affiliate, simply signing and waiving him won’t allow Portland to secure his G League rights. However, it will ensure that he receives an Exhibit 10 bonus worth up to $77.5K if he spends at least 60 days with the Blazers’ affiliate this season. The Rip City Remix will have to acquire his returning rights from Long Island to make that happen.
The Blazers have two open spots on their 21-man training camp roster, so no corresponding move will be required to make room for Muoka.