Topic / Subject
The Pelicans converted Bryce McGowens from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract — an official move, but with contract details still under wraps.
TL;DR
New Orleans promoted a two-way to keep him on the main roster. The big unknown is the structure: length, guarantees, and how much real commitment is in the deal.
Key Details
• The Pelicans announced they converted Bryce McGowens from a two-way to a standard NBA contract.
• The team did not disclose contract length, salary, guarantees, or options in the announcement.
• The move locks McGowens into a standard roster slot instead of two-way restrictions.
• Any ripple effects on two-way strategy weren’t specified by the team.
Breakdown
Two-way conversions are usually about control and availability. If a player is contributing (or you believe he can), you don’t want limitations deciding when you can use him — and you don’t want to risk losing him because you waited too long.
For the Pelicans, this reads like practical roster housekeeping with upside. A standard deal keeps McGowens in the building and gives the team more flexibility to deploy him as injuries, rest nights, and matchups shuffle the rotation.
But without contract terms, we can’t tell how “real” the commitment is. Some conversions are basically minimum-style flyers with team-friendly protection. Others are structured to keep a player around longer. Until details emerge, the announcement tells us the what — not the how much.
If McGowens starts stacking minutes after the conversion, that’s your biggest clue about the internal evaluation. Teams don’t always reveal their plan in words, but they do reveal it with playing time.
What We Know
• The Pelicans officially converted McGowens from a two-way to a standard contract.
• The announcement did not include contract specifics.
What We Don’t Know
• Contract length, guarantees, options, and year-by-year salary.
• Whether the conversion changes New Orleans’ approach to filling or using its remaining two-way flexibility.
• McGowens’ exact role going forward (rotation lane vs. depth-only).
What Would Confirm It
• Reputable reporting that lists the contract’s length and guarantee structure.
• Transaction/cap reporting that clarifies the salary type and any options.
• Rotation usage over the next few weeks that signals the team’s intent.
Can This Actually Happen?
Yes — it already happened, officially. The only uncertainty is the contract structure and what it means long-term for McGowens’ place in the Pelicans’ plans.
Would It Even Make Sense?
It makes sense if New Orleans wants a low-cost wing option they can use without restrictions. Converting a two-way is also a clean way to reward performance and maintain continuity in the development pipeline.
Verdict Box
Likelihood: High
Why: The conversion is official; what’s unknown is the fine print and how big the role becomes.
What to Watch Next
• Contract term details (years, guarantees, options).
• Whether the Pelicans add another two-way or make a related roster move.
• McGowens’ minutes and usage after the conversion.
Sources
NBA.com (New Orleans Pelicans) — “New Orleans Pelicans convert Bryce McGowens to a standard NBA contract”
Comment
Do you want teams to reward two-ways like this more often, or keep standard spots open for bigger swings?


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