Jalen McDaniels has turned into the definition of an NBA journeyman lately. McDaniels is now with his eighth organization since being a late second-round pick in 2019. McDaniels inked a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
NBA Rumors: Defensive Ace Expected To Be Among Players Competing For Pelicans Final Roster Spot & 2 Players Projected To Earn 2-Way Deals With Knicks
McDaniels spent most of last season in the G-League Capital City Go-Go’s, though he did get a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards. He played reasonably well with the Go-Gos, showing off his versatility and defensive ability. While he also did a good job rebounding the ball, recording five double-doubles, 3-point shooting, and turnovers continue to be issues.
McDaniels was in and out of Charlotte‘s rotation through his first three years. McDaniels was in the midst of a breakout campaign in year four before being dealt to Philadelphia at the 2023 trade deadline. He played well for the 76ers to finish the season, and then signed a multi-year deal with Toronto during the summer of 2024.
However, McDaniels struggled to find a role with the Raptors and struggled in the minutes he received. The 6-9 forward was dealt to Sacramento last summer and then was dealt to San Antonio before the 2024-25 season began. The Spurs promptly waived him.
The Memphis Hustle, the Memphis Grizzlies G-League affiliate, claimed McDaniels off waivers. But the 27-year-old never suited up for the Hustle as they dealt him to Capital City.
Jalen McDaniels Expected To Compete For Pelicans’ Last Roster Spot
Whether McDaniels’ deal is an Exhibit 10 training camp deal or a non-guaranteed contract, he will likely have to earn a spot on the team’s 15-man roster with New Orleans. The Pelicans have 14 players on standards and are over $5 million below the first apron, where they are hard-capped.
So, it is conceivable that McDaniels’ deal is partially or fully guaranteed, though unlikely. It makes more sense that it is a non-guaranteed pact.
If McDaniels doesn’t have a fully guaranteed deal, expect him to compete for the Pelicans’ 15th roster spot. Jaden Springer should be part of the competition for the final spot. Springer has also struggled offensively throughout his career, but he does have some intrigue defensively.
New Orleans Pelicans Two-Way Competition
New Orleans’ two-way players, Trey Alexander and perhaps Bryce McGowans, will have a legitimate shot at a standard deal. Alexander had an excellent rookie season in the G-League, averaging 25-5-5 with shooting splits of 46.3/39.7/81.7. However, the 22-year-old struggled in his limited time in Denver last season and during the summer league with the Pelicans.
Alexander, who went for 25 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder’s summer league team, has shown the ability to shoot and handle the ball since turning pro. Meanwhile, McGowans possibly turned the corner with Portland’s G-League franchise this past season, though he saw limited time with the Blazers. The 22-year-old wing struggled in his two seasons with Charlotte after being a second-round draft pick in 2022.
Even if McDaiels has a fully guaranteed deal or is assured of a spot on the 15-man roster, the Pelicans could have competition for one of their two-way spots. McDaniels is not eligible for a two-way deal.
In addition to Alexander and McGowans, Hunter Dickinson is on a two-way deal. While it would be a surprise if Alexander or Dinckinson gets waived, rookie Chase Hunter has reportedly signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Pels to compete for a two-way spot.
New Orleans has one more training camp spot left.
Oscar Tshiebwe Back With The Jazz
In an expected move, Oscar Tshiebwe signed his offer sheet and will return to the Utah Jazz on a two-way deal, per Scott Agness of The Fieldhouse Files. Tshiebwe signed a two-way deal with the Jazz last August after spending his rookie campaign with the Indiana Pacers. The 6-9 big man averaged 7.6 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 60% from the field in 14 games last season for the Jazz. He also produced four double-doubles.
Tshiebwe joins Elijah Harkless on minor league deals with the Jazz. With Tshiebwe now in the fold, the Jazz have 20 players slated for training camp. They do have an open two-way spot and 16 players on standard deals. Steven Crowl and Matthew Murrell are on Exhibit 10 deals.
Nikola Vucevic Plans On Starting The Season In Chicago
Nikola Vucevic has been a model of consistency since emerging on the scene in his third season with Orlando. Vucevic, who is coming off his best shooting season, averaged a double-double for the ninth straight campaign. The 34-year-old, on an expiring contract this year ($21.8 million), has reportedly been on the trade block, though he expects to be back with the Chicago Bulls.
“Yes, I have almost no doubt about it. It is in this state of mind that I am preparing,” Vucevic told Basket USA. “After that, we’ll see, I don’t know what will happen.”
Vucevic also talked about his basketball future:
“I’d like to try to play for a team that has ambitions to win the NBA title,” and then, when asked, added about whether he could end his career in Chicago. “Maybe not this season, because we will be a young team. But you never know, the ambitions of teams change quickly from year to year, depending on injuries and transfers.
“I haven’t set myself an age limit. As long as I’m physically well, motivated, and have a role on the pitch that suits me, I hope to continue playing. I feel perfect physically and mentally. I’m coming off a very good season. I’m entering the last year of my contract with Chicago. After that, we’ll see what opportunities and roles are offered. I know that sooner or later my role will evolve, and I am ready to accept that. I think I still have a few good years ahead of me.”
Other News:
- Bones Hyland will get the last roster spot with the Minnesota Timberwolves, per The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. Hyland, who finished the season with the Wolves, was previously the reported favorite as Minnesota was speaking another point guard.
“It will be Bones,” Krawczynski tweeted. “May stretch into September, but that’s gonna be the play.”
- Josh Giddey and the Bulls remain in a contract stalemate. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is reportedly seeking around $30 million a year in his next contract, and that doesn’t appear to be in the Bulls’ purview.
K.C. Johnson of CHSN said the Bulls do have a long-term offer on the table. Johnson said that the offer is believed to be in the $20 million range. He did add that the “Bulls have given no indications league-wide that they are amenable to a sign-and-trade option.”
Photo credit: Kyle Ross, Imagn Images
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