10:20 am: In addition to signing Badji, the Hornets have also re-added DJ Rodman to their camp roster, the team confirmed today in a press release. Rodman was initially signed and waived by Charlotte last week.
The team now has a full 21-man squad.
8:28 am: The Hornets are adding free agent center Ibou Badji to their preseason roster, according to Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer (Twitter link).
While Boone doesn’t specify what type of contract Badji is signing with the Hornets, it will almost certainly be non-guaranteed, with Exhibit 9 language. If it also includes an Exhibit 10 clause, it could be converted to a two-way deal prior to the regular season or would line up the big man to earn a bonus worth up to $85,300 if he’s waived and then spends at least 60 days with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s G League affiliate.
Badji, who will turn 23 next month, appeared in 22 NBA games during the 2023/24 season while on a two-way contract with Portland. He averaged 1.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 10.3 minutes per contest during his time with the Trail Blazers.
Outside of that stint in Portland, Badji has spent the rest of his professional career playing in the G League or in Spain, including most recently with La Laguna Tenerife, which competes in Spain’s top basketball league (Liga ACB). He headed overseas in the spring after appearing in 50 games for the Wisconsin Herd during the 2024/25 G League season.
The seven-footer from Senegal put up 6.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and an impressive 3.5 BPG in 22.4 MPG for the Herd, earning himself as spot on the NBAGL’s All-Defensive team.
The Swarm acquired Badji’s returning rights from Wisconsin in August, which suggests that the plan is for him to eventually report to Greensboro.
The Hornets have two openings on their roster, so no corresponding move is necessary to make room for the signing.