When the Pelicans converted Matt Ryan from his two-way deal to a standard contract on the day before their regular season finale, they used their mid-level exception to sign him to a three-year deal that paid him $1.5MM in guaranteed money for the final two days of this season, tweets Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
In exchange for that substantial end-of-season payday, Ryan gave the Pelicans two additional years of low-cost control — he’s under contract for a non-guaranteed minimum salary ($2,196,970) in 2024/25, with a non-guaranteed minimum-salary team option ($2,381,501) for ’25/26.
Ryan’s salary for ’24/25 would become guaranteed if he remains under contract through the start of the regular season, but there are no trigger dates before that point, so New Orleans won’t necessarily need to make a decision on him until the fall.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is now being represented by Lift Management, according to a tweet from the agency. Morant reportedly parted ways with longtime agent Jim Tanner earlier this spring. The two-time All-Star has seen his stock drop following multiple suspensions for his off-court behavior, along with a shoulder injury that cost him nearly all of the 2023/24 season, but his maximum-salary contract runs for four more seasons.
- Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal takes a look at what the Grizzlies want to see from their young players this summer, including projected Summer League participants like GG Jackson and Scotty Pippen Jr. As Cole observes, it’ll also a big offseason for Jake LaRavia, who will be entering his third NBA season, but it’s rare for former first-round picks to return for a third year of Summer League.
- With center Daniel Gafford listed as questionable for Game 3 vs. the Clippers on Friday due to back spasms, the Mavericks could be forced to make a change to their starting lineup, writes Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News (subscription required). Dereck Lively would likely be the top candidate to move into the starting five, though Maxi Kleber – who has averaged 27.0 minutes per game so far in the series – would also play a major role. Dwight Powell and Markieff Morris are also in the mix as depth options.
I miss Memphis in the playoffs! Be more interesting than Lakers imo
It’ll be interesting to see what Memphis does this offseason with the draft, FA and any possible trades. You’ve got a gal at SF and C with Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams gone. This year was good for developing young guys and giving them a chance but now it’s time for results.
Zaire Williams, your done.
Jake LaRiva, is a wait and see I guess.
John Konchar is now 28 and hes done.
Vince Williams he’s earned himself minutes next year as has GG Jackson who had a fantastic rookie season.
Santi Aldama, should’ve done more but is only 23 and has a valueable skill set. Wait and see.
Scottie Pippen Jr, well and truely outperformed his contract and definitely has a future here.
With the 7th overall pick do they grab a SF or a C?
Me personally, I’d be looking to trade back with Portland at 14, grab a couple early seconds and then take Filipowski and if he’s not there then Kel’el Ware. I don’t believe in Clingan, he might have good lateral movement and height but will get bullied by the bruisers, isn’t a good enough shooter and doesn’t rebound well for his height. Hes more Dario Saric than Kristaps Porzingis.
Filipowski I see adjusting quicker and finding a role as a floor spacing big that plays high IQ basketball. Ware is a lot more hit and miss but I’d still rather him than Donovan.
Then for SF, there’s not a great market for proven 3 and D wings that are consistent, so I’d actually try to move Marcus Smart into the starting SF. He can do the defence there but can he help get boards and provide enough on offence. So I’d actually just look to add a centre to share starting minutes with your rookie, Jonas Valaucanes would be good.
Ja Bane Smart JJJ Valaucanes
DRose Kennard Jackson Clarke Filipowski
Pippen V. Williams LaRiva Aldama