The Trail Blazers are expected to sign Hyunjung Lee to an Exhibit 10 contract and bring him to training camp, according to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report (Twitter link), who confirms reports from several Korean outlets. The 6’7″ forward, who was part of Portland’s Summer League team in 2024, will likely spend the season with the Blazers’ G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, Highkin adds.
Lee’s Nagasaki Velca team in the Japan B.League has issued a press release announcing his departure and expressing best wishes as he pursues his NBA dream (hat tip to BasketNews).
“The entire Nagasaki Velca team wants to fully support Lee as he has been dreaming of ‘taking on the NBA’ since joining the team,” the release states. “We appreciate your continued warm support for Lee.”
Known as the “Ace of South Korea,” Lee made a strong impression with San Antonio’s Summer League squad this year. Appearing in eight total games in the California Classic and in Las Vegas, he averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Lee led Nagasaki to its first-ever B.League championship last season, winning Finals MVP honors, a place on the B.League Season Best 5 and the Asia Special Award. He also spent two seasons in Australia and was part of the Illawarra Hawks’ 2024/25 NBL title team.
Lee played three years at Davidson, earning a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team in 2020 and first-team all-conference honors in 2022. After going undrafted, he spent time with Golden State’s G League affiliate in 2023 before heading to Australia.
The Exhibit 10 contract provides an opportunity for Lee to earn a bonus worth up to $91K on top of his NBAGL base salary if he spends at least 60 days with the Remix.
“Playing in the NBA is the biggest dream of mine,” Lee said in July. “This is an opportunity that I had to take. I’m also proud to play for the national team, but I have to chase my dream.”
The Blazers currently have 19 players under contract, so they’ll have room to add one more for training camp once Lee’s deal is finalized.
