The Pelicans have formally parted ways with point guard Toney Douglas, the team announced today in a press release. Assuming Douglas isn’t claimed later this week off waivers by another club, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent.
A former first-round pick, Douglas appeared in 61 games for the Pelicans in 2015/16, starting 18 of those contests. Averaging just over 20 minutes per game, Douglas recorded 8.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, and 2.3 RPG over the course of the year, making just under 40% of his three-pointers.
Despite his solid performance last season, Douglas became expendable this summer based on the Pelicans’ free agency additions. In addition to agreeing to bring back Tim Frazier, the team also worked out deals with Langston Galloway and E’Twaun Moore, creating a bit of a logjam in the backcourt.
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Douglas was also a candidate to be released because his salary for the 2016/17 season was fully non-guaranteed. Per Basketball Insiders, Douglas’ guarantee date was July 12, so despite the team not issuing an official announcement until today, the move was finalized before that Tuesday deadline.