The San Antonio Spurs have waived forward Jalen McDaniels, just days after acquiring him in a trade from the Sacramento Kings. The move, announced by NBA insider Paul Garcia, comes as the Spurs finalize their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season.
McDaniels, who was part of a package that included a second-round draft pick, had been traded to the Spurs but was expected to be waived soon after. This transaction clears up space on the Spurs’ roster as they evaluate their remaining players before the regular season roster deadline on October 21.
The 6-foot-9 forward has spent five seasons in the NBA, averaging 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over his career. Originally selected 52nd overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, McDaniels has played for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors. Despite showing flashes of potential throughout his career, the 25-year-old forward has struggled to find a consistent role in the league.
McDaniels’ journey began with the Hornets, where he split his time between the NBA and the G League’s Greensboro Swarm. His first major impact came during the 2020-21 season when he posted a career-high 21 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, McDaniels has bounced between teams, including a brief stint with the 76ers in 2023 following a four-team trade.
In June 2024, McDaniels was traded to the Kings in a deal that also involved Davion Mitchell and Sasha Vezenkov. However, McDaniels’ time with Sacramento was short-lived, as the team sought flexibility ahead of the upcoming season. His most recent stop with the Spurs has proven to be equally brief.
While McDaniels has had notable moments, such as a career-high 26-point game against the Boston Celtics in January 2023, he has struggled with consistency. Last season, he averaged just 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 10.8 minutes per game while playing for the Toronto Raptors.
The decision to waive McDaniels provides the Spurs with more roster flexibility. San Antonio now has room to evaluate younger players or bring in additional talent via free agency or trades. As for McDaniels, his future in the NBA remains uncertain.
