Pelicans Sign Trhae Mitchell, Waive Jalen Crutcher

The Pelicans made a minor change at the back of their 21-man preseason roster on Monday, announcing in a press release that they’ve signed free agent guard Trhae Mitchell and waived guard Jalen Crutcher. New Orleans still has a full 21-man squad following the two moves.

Mitchell, who went undrafted out of South Alabama in 2020, has spent most of his professional career playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s G League affiliate. He also had a stint with the Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League earlier this year before playing for the Pelicans’ Summer League team.

In 49 Showcase Cup and regular season games for the Vipers last season, the 27-year-old averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.9 steals in 30.2 minutes per game, with a shooting line of .502/.422/.652. Known more for his defensive prowess than his offensive production, Mitchell earned a spot on the G League’s All-Defensive team in the spring.

The Birmingham Squadron – New Orleans’ G League team – recently acquired Mitchell’s returning rights from the Vipers. That’s a strong signal that the plan is to have him play for the Squadron this season — his new deal with the Pelicans almost certainly includes Exhibit 10 language, which will make him eligible for a bonus worth up to $77.5K if he’s waived by New Orleans and then spends at least 60 days with Birmingham.

It’s a safe bet that’s the plan for Crutcher too. The 25-year-old, who spent training camp with the Pelicans and saw some action in last Monday’s preseason opener, spent last season with the Squadron and will likely report back to New Orleans’ G League team in order to earn his $77.5K Exhibit 10 bonus.