The Pelicans are converting Brandon Boston Jr.‘s two-way deal into a standard two-year contract, ESPN’s Shams Charania tweets. They are filling the two-way slot by promoting Jalen Crutcher, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype tweets.
New Orleans needed to fill a roster spot after buying out Javonte Green. That dropped its roster count to 13 players, one below the limit. It came as no surprise that Boston received a standard deal.
Boston has already appeared in 42 games, eight shy of the limit for a two-way player, including 10 starts. He’s averaging 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 23.6 minutes per game.
Boston missed Tuesday’s game against San Antonio due to a left ankle sprain and non-COVID illness. He has only appeared in one game this month. Boston spent his first three seasons with the Clippers after being a late second-round pick in 2021. New Orleans claimed Boston during the preseason after the Spurs waived him.
Crutcher has averaged 18.1 points, 6.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds for the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G League affiliate of the Pelicans.
Since going undrafted out of Dayton in 2021, Crutcher has spent pro career in the G League, including two with the Greensboro Swarm as well as last season with the Squadron.
Crutcher had a 10-day contract with the Pelicans last February. He appeared in one game for the team, making his NBA debut last Feb. 27.