With the NBA free agency deadline set for today, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets player Josh Okogie was waiting to see if the Charlotte Hornets would extend his contract before the guard would hit free agency. The Hornets did exactly that, as it buys them more time to address the situation and if they want Okogie to take up the final roster spot on the team for the 2025 season.
The eight-year NBA veteran played with the Hornets last season after being traded to the team from the Phoenix Suns. In his first year with the team, Okogie averaged 18.3 minutes per game with the Hornets, four more than he averaged with the Suns until he was traded.
Between the two teams, Okogie played a total of 40 games, and started seven games, six of which came with the Hornets. Okogie made the most of his minutes with the Hornets, averaging 8.9 points per game, which would have been a career high if he put up that mark for the entire season.
The Hornets are the third team that Okogie has played for in his NBA career, having previously played for the Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves.
While Okogie did put up a career high in points per game with the Hornets in the second half of the season, he got most of his credit for being an elite perimeter defender with the Timberwolves.
The extension for Okogie’s contract is good until July 15, when the Hornets will have to make the decision to keep him or let him hit the free agency market.