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Lee Hyun-jung to challenge for two-way contract in NBA camps with Pelicans, Celtics

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Lee Hyun-jung will participate in NBA mini-camps with the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics.
  • He aims for a two-way contract, allowing him to play in both the NBA and its G League affiliate.
  • His participation means he will miss upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Japan.

South Korean basketball player Lee Hyun-jung is pursuing his NBA dream by participating in mini-camps hosted by the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics. His agency, Epic Sports, confirmed that both teams have an open spot for a two-way contract, a deal that permits players to compete in both the NBA and the NBA G League.

Lee Hyun-jung has received mini-camp invitations from both the New Orleans and Boston clubs.

— Epic SportsLee's agency confirmed his participation in NBA mini-camps.

Lee departed for the United States on July 6th. He is scheduled to attend the Pelicans' mini-camp from July 8th to 13th, followed by the Celtics' camp from July 16th to 20th. According to Epic Sports, team officials and staff viewed Lee's performance in the NBA Summer League positively, calling this opportunity "precious."

Lee recently competed in the NBA Summer League with the San Antonio Spurs, notably scoring 22 points, including four three-pointers, in the final preliminary game against the Utah Jazz. The Summer League serves as a platform for teams to scout talent from rookies, prospects, and international leagues, offering a potential pathway to a regular-season roster spot.

Both teams currently have one two-way contract spot open, and he aims for a final NBA entry through this camp.

— Epic SportsThe agency explained Lee's goal during the mini-camps.

Due to his participation in these mini-camps, Lee will be unable to join the South Korean national team for the upcoming 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifiers against Japan, scheduled for July 15th and 16th in Tokyo. This matchup was anticipated to feature a duel between Lee and Japan's Rui Hachimura (LA Clippers) and Yuki Kawamura (Chicago Bulls).

Both club officials and staff evaluated Lee Hyun-jung's Summer League performance positively.

— Epic SportsThe agency commented on the teams' reception of Lee's skills.

Following the mini-camps, Lee is set to join the national team in Lebanon on July 20th. He is expected to participate in the remaining national team commitments, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 4 and the 2026 Asian Games.

It is a precious opportunity.

— Epic SportsThe agency described the significance of the mini-camp invitations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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