NBA teams are allowed to sign three players to 2-way deals. McGowens is the third player the Pelicans have signed to a 2-way ...

But even a bounce back season for the Pelicans isn't enough to justify the draft move for Wright, though. "Even if New Orleans is like, 'No, it's not a problem. We're going to be good,'" Wright said.

In terms of his contract, New Orleans will be paying him just under $29 million total over the next two years, a steal for a player of his quality. The Pelicans giving up that 2026 first likely ...