Hornets’ G League Affiliate Acquires Ibou Badji; Southeast Division Updates
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The Greensboro Swarm have obtained the returning rights to center Ibou Badji in a trade with the Wisconsin Herd, the Charlotte Hornets’ G League affiliate announced on August 30.
Greensboro sent the Herd the No. 31 selection in the 2025 G League Draft along with the returning rights to center Jeremiah Tilmon and guard Lindell Wigginton.
Badji’s Defensive Impact
Badji, 22, led the G League in blocks during the 2024/25 season and earned a spot on the league’s All-Defensive Team with Wisconsin. The 7-footer signed a two-way contract with Portland in 2023/24, appearing in 22 NBA games and averaging 1.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 10.3 minutes. In 34 contests for the Herd last season, he posted 6.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. Badji has been playing for La Laguna Tenerife in Spain since April.
Tilmon has competed in Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, and South Korea since 2024, while Wigginton has played in the Chinese Basketball Association since that same year.
Trae Young Extension Watch
Atlanta guard Trae Young becomes eligible for a standard veteran extension and could decline his 2026/27 player option to start a new deal sooner, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith. For a supermax offer—35 percent of the salary cap with 8 percent annual raises—Young would need to make at least Second-Team All-NBA. The Hawks are expected to evaluate the roster’s performance before committing to a long-term agreement.
Hall of Fame Notes in Miami
Heat owner Mickey Arison will enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this week as a contributor. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel notes that team president Pat Riley, already enshrined as a coach, has yet to be selected as a contributor despite guiding Miami to seven NBA Finals appearances and three championships since 2005/06.
Rozier Remains on Heat Roster
Miami declined to waive and stretch guard Terry Rozier’s $26.7 million contract before last Friday’s deadline, keeping the full salary on this season’s books.
Source: Hoops Rumors
