**PORTLAND, Ore. (October 15, 2024)** – The Portland Trail Blazers have officially signed guard James Bouknight to an Exhibit-10 contract, as announced by General Manager Joe Cronin. The specifics of the contract were not disclosed, in accordance with team policy.
During his three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Bouknight recorded career averages of 4.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 79 games, shooting 33.5% from three-point range and 76.2% from the free-throw line. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, he achieved a career-high 43.3% shooting from beyond the arc.
According to Sean Highkin from Rose Garden Report, the Blazers plan to waive Bouknight while retaining his rights, allowing him to join their G League team, the Rip City Remix.
Bouknight was waived by the Hornets on February 8 to make room for new players after the team’s trade involving PJ Washington and Gordon Hayward. Reports indicate that he was a likely candidate for release, having fallen out of the team’s rotation completely. He only played 22 meaningful minutes this season, while two-way player Leaky Black took his place in the lineup. The Hornets also opted not to exercise the fourth-year option on his contract, indicating he wasn’t part of their long-term plans.
Bouknight’s off-court issues have also been a concern. In 2022, he faced charges for driving while intoxicated, having allegedly hit two police vehicles while possessing a firearm. He had prior citations for reckless driving, including speeds of 92 mph in a 50 mph zone. He pleaded guilty to impaired driving and was sentenced to a year of probation in April 2024, during which he lost his driver’s license.
An Exhibit-10 contract does not count against a team’s offseason roster or salary cap, allowing teams to bring in additional players for training camp without guaranteeing them a spot on the final roster. If Bouknight makes the regular season team, his contract would convert to a standard minimum deal that would then impact the salary cap. For more information about Exhibit-10 contracts.
