ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported on social media that the Portland Trail Blazers plans to sign Yongxi Cui to an Exhibit 10 contract. Cui, who goes by “Jacky”, currently plays for Guangzhou in China. He previously graduated from the NBA’s Global Academy.
NEWS: Jacky Cui, a graduate of the NBA Global Academy, will agree to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trailblazers, a source told ESPN. Cui, a 6’8, 21-year old wing, played for Guangzhou in the Chinese CBA.
Sean Highkin also reports that Cui attended a pre-draft workout in Portland. Jacky left an impression on the league last month while participating in organized scrimmages at the NBA’s G League Elite Camp.
Beyond the Blazers, Cui also attended a pre-draft workout for the Indiana Pacers, with video available of his visit.
HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch wrote about Cui’s path to the NBA, including an interview. The NBA’s Head of International Basketball Development, Chris Ebersole, was quite complimentary.
“He was really, truly like cracking jokes,” Ebersole said about Cui’s personality. “I just thought he was so impressive, willing to make mistakes and take risks. Everybody, from our staff to all his teammates, thinks so highly of him because of that.”
A player on an Exhibit 10 contract does not count against a team’s offseason roster, nor their salary cap. It allows a team to bring in more players, such as for training camp, but with no guarantee of making the final roster. If they make the regular season roster, the contract essentially converts to a regular minimum-contract deal that counts against the salary cap. For far more details about Exhibit 10 deals, visit HoopsHype.
