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The Charlotte Hornets have officially released Josh Okogie, according to a report from Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer.

Okogie was set to earn $7.7 million for the upcoming season, but that figure would have become fully guaranteed if he had remained on the roster past Tuesday.

The team had previously attempted to trade the 26-year-old swingman but was ultimately unable to find a trade partner.

To facilitate more time for possible deals, both the Hornets and Okogie agreed to delay his contract guarantee date beyond the initial June 30 deadline.

Despite those efforts, a move never materialized, leading to the decision to waive him.

Okogie saw action in 40 games during the previous NBA season, averaging 15.6 minutes per game.

During that span, he posted averages of 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 44.8% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc, and 74.1% from the free-throw line.

He joined Charlotte in January as part of a midseason trade with the Phoenix Suns that also brought in three second-round picks, while center Nick Richards was sent the other way.

Following the trade, Okogie played in 16 games for the Hornets, starting in six, and averaged 8.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest. The Hornets still have roster decisions to make in the coming weeks.

With 18 players currently on standard contracts – three more than the maximum allowed once the regular season begins – and all two-way contract spots already filled, the team will need to make further cuts or complete additional trades to finalize the roster.

Players like DaQuan Jeffries, who is also on a non-guaranteed deal, and second-year guard Nick Smith Jr. could be at risk of being waived if the front office doesn’t create space through other transactions.

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