The five-year NBA veteran Jalen McDaniels has taken the next step in his basketball career by signing a contract with the NBA G League. According to the league’s official transaction log, McDaniels was traded by the Memphis Hustle from the waiver lists, although sources report that he is expected to Capital City Go-Go will join, contingent on a trade between the two teams.
A promising start in the NBA
McDaniels was selected 52nd overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and quickly made a name for himself with his athleticism, defensive versatility and a developing three-point shot (career average of 34.2% from long range in Charlotte). Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall with a 7-foot wingspan, McDaniels showed his potential as a two-way player during his four years with the Hornets.
In 2023 he became the Philadelphia 76ers transferred, where he played a supporting role during their playoff run.
A tumultuous 2023-24 season
McDaniels signed one in the 2023 offseason Two-year, $9.26 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, but his stay in Toronto was disappointing. Limited playing time and reduced production led to a number of trades:
- He was included in a salary cap deal Sacramento Kings transferred.
- Shortly afterwards they acquired San Antonio Spurs him, but fired him before the 2024-25 season began.
Now, at 26, McDaniels is trying to revive his career in the G League, a tried-and-tested path for NBA veterans looking to return to the big stage.
What’s next for McDaniels?
Although he not for a two-way contract is an option, McDaniels could still have one NBA-Call-up obtained by signing a standard contract or a 10-day contract from January 2025. His size, defensive skills and ability to stretch space are still valuable traits in today’s NBA, making him a candidate for a team in need of depth at the wing position.
Die Capital City Go-Gowhich is affiliated with the Washington Wizards, provides a strong development environment for McDaniels to prove his worth. A standout performance in the G League could quickly get him back on an NBA roster.
