Atlanta Hawks Have Signed Giorgi Bezhanishvili
The team signed the forward to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived guard Isaac McKneely to adjust their roster.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
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The Atlanta Hawks have signed Giorgi Bezhanishvili to an Exhibit 10 contract, a move that allows the team to retain his G League rights. Concurrently, the organization waived Isaac McKneely.
Why it matters
Exhibit 10 deals are a strategic tool used by NBA teams to secure depth for their G League affiliates while maintaining financial flexibility. By signing and waiving players, the Hawks can ensure talent remains within their developmental ecosystem.
Bezhanishvili averaged 11.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the 2025-2026 G League season. NBA teams are permitted to carry a maximum of 6 Exhibit 10 contracts simultaneously.
The players
Giorgi Bezhanishvili
He is an experienced professional forward who played three seasons at the University of Illinois before transitioning to the G League.
Atlanta Hawks
This is a professional basketball team competing in the NBA that maintains an affiliate organization in College Park.
Isaac McKneely
He is a basketball player who was recently waived by the Atlanta Hawks as the team adjusted its roster.
The details
Bezhanishvili brings experience from 171 G League games and three seasons at Illinois to the Atlanta organization. The team currently holds two-way contracts for Jalen Wilson, RayJ Dennis, and Keshon Gilbert.
Timeline
2018-2021: Giorgi Bezhanishvili played collegiate basketball at Illinois.
2025-2026: Bezhanishvili played for the Windy City Bulls.
October 2026: Atlanta Hawks signed Giorgi Bezhanishvili.
October 16, 2026: Atlanta Hawks play final preseason game vs Dallas.
October 21, 2026: Atlanta Hawks play regular season opener vs Orlando.
Season Trajectory
The use of the Exhibit 10 mechanism follows a pattern set by the NBA's developmental contract protocols. This move prioritizes depth for the College Park Skyhawks while allowing the Hawks to keep roster flexibility ahead of the regular season.
Isaac McKneely is now positioned to play for the College Park Skyhawks for the upcoming season. Giorgi Bezhanishvili may potentially see court time during the final preseason game if key rotation players are rested.
The takeaway
NBA teams frequently utilize minor contract maneuvers to curate talent for their developmental affiliates. Fans can expect these roster adjustments to continue as teams finalize their lineups for the opening of the regular season.
What happens next
The Atlanta Hawks are scheduled to play their final preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 16, 2026, followed by their regular season opener against the Orlando Magic on October 21, 2026.
Further reading
Find more roster updates and news on the Atlanta Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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