Jalen McDaniels is getting another NBA opportunity, this time with the New Orleans Pelicans. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the 27-year-old forward has agreed to a deal with New Orleans, though the terms have not yet been disclosed.
McDaniels, who spent part of last season on a 10-day contract with the Wizards, played in just four NBA games but logged significant time in the G League.
With Washington’s affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, he averaged 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds across 38 appearances, showing he can still produce at a high level.
Originally selected 52nd overall in the 2019 draft by Charlotte, McDaniels spent his first three-and-a-half years with the Hornets before being traded to Philadelphia at the 2023 deadline.
From there, his career took a winding path – signing with Toronto, then being traded twice in 2024 (to Sacramento and then San Antonio). The Spurs waived him almost immediately, leading him back to the G League until he resurfaced in Washington.
Across 252 career NBA games, McDaniels has posted averages of 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.1 minutes per contest. While details of his Pelicans deal are not yet confirmed, an Exhibit 10 contract with a training camp invite appears most likely.
New Orleans currently has 14 guaranteed contracts and sits about $4.2 million below the luxury tax threshold, meaning they could carry McDaniels as a 15th man without going over the limit.
Because he has already logged six NBA seasons, McDaniels is no longer eligible for a two-way contract.
The Pelicans have officially signed Jalen McDaniels: https://t.co/jAeuMyPZXm pic.twitter.com/zTrLNBcAjL
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) September 3, 2025
