Kofi Inkoom
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl [JRE], a free agent forward, has sealed a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans for a two-way NBA contract, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Despite having alternative contract options from various teams, JRE made a deliberate choice in favor of the Pelicans’ two-way agreement, believing it provides a more promising avenue to flourish in his basketball journey.
JRE, 22, was selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He boasts a career record of averaging 7.2 points and 4.9 rebounds over two seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, having participated in 92 games.
Due to the Thunder’s roster constraints this season, they traded him to the Rockets, who subsequently released him prior to the season.
At the time of the signing, all three of the New Orleans Pelicans’ two-way contract slots were occupied by Dereon Seabron, Kaiser Gates, and Matt Ryan.
To create room for JRE, the Pelicans have decided to waive Kaiser Gates, as reported by ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.
Gates inked a two-year, two-way deal with the Pelicans during the current season, following an impressive performance in the G League with the Long Island Nets, where he averaged 14.0 points per game last year.
The fact that the Pelicans committed to a two-year deal for Gates indicates their high regard for him, and they might consider reintegrating him into their system in the future, provided he successfully clears waivers.
By adding JRE to their roster, the Pelicans are addressing the various injuries in their frontcourt. With his substantial NBA experience, it’s conceivable that JRE could see immediate playing time.