The Nuggets have made an addition to their preseason roster, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac, who tweets that free agent point guard James Akinjo has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the team.
Akinjo, 24, has been playing in the G League since going undrafted in 2022, spending time with the Westchester Knicks, Stockton Kings, and Wisconsin Herd. In 41 games last season for the Herd, Milwaukee’s NBAGL affiliate, the former Baylor standout averaged 14.6 points, 7.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 33.6 minutes per contest, with a shooting line of .403/.361/.844.
Denver’s affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, made a trade with Wisconsin in August to acquire Akinjo’s returning rights. As we noted at the time, it was a strong signal that the Nuggets would sign the 6’1″ guard to an Exhibit 10 deal at some point in order to ensure he receives a bonus for playing with the Gold.
Akinjo, who figures to be waived in the coming days, will be able to earn that bonus if he spends at least 60 days with the Nuggets’ G League team. It can be worth up to $85,300.
Denver had a pair of open spots on its 21-man preseason roster after waiving Terrence Hargrove Jr. and Coleman Hawkins last week, so no corresponding move was necessary to make room for Akinjo. The club now has 20 players under contract.