The Pelicans Reach a Deal With Jalen McDaniels
Aug 21, 2025
According to Shams Charania from ESPN, the New Orleans Pelicans have come to an agreement with free agent small forward, Jalen McDaniels.
The ESPN reporter wrote on his X feed:
"Free agent forward Jalen McDaniels has agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. McDaniels has averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds over six NBA seasons."
Jalen McDaniels grew up in Seattle, Washington alongside his brother Jaden, who is a top player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jalen was a high school star at Federal Way and chose to continue his career at San Diego State University.
McDaniels was immediately a strong player at SDSU and initially looked to enter the NBA Draft following his freshman season. Close to the deadline, however, he decided to return from school. As a sophomore, he averaged 15.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and again found himself on NBA radar screens.
The forward would go undrafted in 2019 and sign with the Charlotte Hornets. McDaniels would play in Charlotte for four years, regularly as a member of the rotation. He had his best season in 2022-23. McDaniels played in 56 games, starting 21 of them, and averaged 10.6 points per game to go along with 4.8 rebounds. His 26.7 minutes per game were also a career high.
McDaniels signed with the Washington Wizards for the 2024-25 season, but spent much of his time in the G League playing for the Memphis Hustle and the Capital City Go Go. He should have the opportunity to earn minutes in Charlotte in 2025.
