The Pelicans have waived small forward Jalen Jones, a source tells William Guillory of The New Orleans Times-Picayune. Jones had been on a two-way contract with New Orleans, so the move – officially confirmed by the Pelicans – opens up a two-way slot, but doesn’t create an opening on the club’s 15-man NBA roster.
Jones, 24, was with the Celtics in training camp back in 2016, but was cut before the regular season began and spent the year in the G League. A solid showing in 46 games for the Maine Red Claws last season (21.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG) earned Jones a two-way contract with the Pelicans this season.
Since New Orleans doesn’t have a G League affiliate of its own, Jones split time between the Greensboro Swarm and Texas Legends this season, and also briefly appeared in four NBA games for the Pelicans. While his scoring average (19.1 PPG) remained strong in the G League this season, Jones’ 3PT% slipped from .345 last year to .275 this year.
The Pelicans are still carrying Charles Cooke on a two-way deal, but now have one of two slots open, becoming the latest NBA club to create a two-way opening. Teams have until January 15 to sign a player to a two-way contract, so I imagine those teams with open slots will be keeping a close eye on potential targets at this week’s G League showcase event in Mississauga, Ontario.