1:24pm: The Nets confirmed in a press release that they’ve exercised the standard NBA contract conversion option on Pinson, meaning he’ll just get a rest-of-season deal.
12:54pm: The Nets have converted Theo Pinson‘s two-way contract to a standard NBA contract, reports Michael Scotto of The Athletic (via Twitter). Brooklyn had an open spot on its 15-man roster, so no corresponding move is required to make room for the wing.
An undrafted free agent out of UNC, Pinson joined the Nets on a two-way deal in 2018 and has appeared in 17 games for the NBA club as a rookie. While his playing time for Brooklyn has been limited, the 23-year-old has thrived for the Long Island Nets, recording 20.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, and 5.9 RPG in 34 G League games this season. He was named to the All-NBAGL Second Team last week.
With his promotion to the 15-man roster, Pinson is now eligible to participate in the playoffs with the Nets. Before the NBA postseason begins, he’ll likely play for Long Island on Friday in the final game of the G League Finals. The best-of-three series between the Long Island and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers is currently tied at one game apiece.
While Scotto classifies the move as a contract conversion, it’s not clear if that’s official, or if the Nets were able to negotiate a new deal with Pinson. A straight conversion of his two-way contract would mean he’d be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. A multiyear deal would likely include a non-guaranteed salary for 2019/20, giving Brooklyn more flexibility.
Any relation to Vida Pinson? Reds outfielder in the 1960’s and very underrated!
Darn it Marks should have got the non guaranteed option for next year. He’ll get an offer from a team like Atlanta or Phoenix. Too much skill. Pinson was a top 5 or 10 prospect coming out of high school w KAT and DLo but had 3 injury plagued years at UNC and never developed a consistent 3. Then shoots 43% in summer league and then 38% in the G-league. Oh and best bench dancer by far.