Report: Former Thunder Aleksej Pokusevski signs with Hornets

Mar 28, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski (17) works to control the ball between Charlotte Hornets guard Theo Maledon (9) and forward Kai Jones (23) during the second half at Paycom Center. Charlotte defeated Oklahoma City 137-134. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Aleksej Pokusevski is expected to sign with the Charlotte Hornets, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 22-year-old was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder last week.

The fourth-year forward was outside of OKC’s rotation all season. After not being signed to an extension this past offseason, it was evident his time in OKC was coming to an end.

The 22-year-old struggled to gain consistency with the Thunder. Viewed as a long-term project, Pokusevski never panned out. Even when he looked like a solid rotation player, a fractured leg halted any momentum he gathered last season.

Pokusevski now heads off to Charlotte, where he’ll reunite with former teammates Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic and Davis Bertans — who were packaged when OKC acquired Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline.

In the last year of his rookie deal, Pokusevski hopes to perform well enough to earn a second NBA contract. He will need to show out in Charlotte during the last one-third of the season.

In four seasons, Pokusevski averaged 7.5 points on 38.7% shooting, 4.7 rebounds and two assists. He shot 29.9% from 3 on 3.5 attempts. The Thunder continue to have a vacant roster spot.

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This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Report: Former Thunder Aleksej Pokusevski signs with Hornets