Isaac McKneely, the sharpshooting guard who concluded his college career at Louisville, has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Atlanta Hawks. The deal is a standard one-year, non‑guaranteed agreement that allows the team to evaluate the player during the Summer League without a guaranteed salary.
The Exhibit-10 Mechanism
Exhibit-10 contracts are designed to lure undrafted or marginal prospects into the league’s developmental circuit. Players who excel in the Summer League may earn a guaranteed contract, but the initial deal carries no salary security, making it a high‑risk, high‑reward proposition for both the team and the athlete.
McKneely’s transition to the professional ranks follows a standout collegiate stint that began at Virginia before he transferred to Louisville. There, he emerged as one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s most reliable three‑point threats, ranking fifth in the league with a 39.5 percent shooting clip from beyond the arc.
College Career Highlights
During his final season at Virginia, McKneely led the ACC in three‑point percentage while averaging 14.4 points, 2.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. His career totals include 1,472 points, 329 rebounds, 219 assists and 329 made three‑point attempts, underscoring a consistent contribution across multiple programs.
After transferring to Louisville, he continued to showcase his shooting prowess, posting 10.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while maintaining a 39.5 percent three‑point rate, which again placed him among the conference’s elite shooters.
A Familiar Path for Louisville Alumni
McKneely becomes the second Louisville product to secure an Exhibit-10 contract this cycle, following J'Vonne Hadley’s agreement with the Miami Heat. Additionally, two other Cardinals — Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell — were selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, highlighting a productive pipeline from the university to the professional ranks.
The Hawks’ decision reflects a broader strategy of assembling a flexible roster that can be reshaped through Summer League performances. For McKneely, the contract offers a chance to prove that his college shooting accuracy can translate into NBA‑level competition.
Looking Forward
As the Summer League approaches, McKneely will join a contingent of rookie and developmental players vying for a spot on the Hawks’ opening night roster. His performance in preseason exhibitions could determine whether the non‑guaranteed contract evolves into a fully guaranteed agreement.