New Orleans has decided to promote guard-forward Bryce McGowens from his two-way contract to a full three-year NBA deal, according to ESPN reports released Friday.
The financial details of McGowens’ new contract have not been disclosed.
The 23-year-old player has put together solid numbers during his time with the Pelicans this season, posting averages of 7.9 points and 1.9 rebounds across 32 appearances, including 11 as a starter. McGowens has been efficient with his shooting, connecting on 48.0% of his field goal attempts and an impressive 45.3% from beyond the arc.
New Orleans interim head coach James Borrego praised McGowens’ development when discussing the expected contract upgrade last week. “We’ve seen the work every day behind the scenes,” Borrego said. “He’s ready for the moment. I think this is his moment, his time now. He’s one of those guys who can play both sides of the ball.”
McGowens entered the NBA as a second-round selection by Minnesota in the 2022 draft. Throughout his professional career spanning 150 games with 32 starts, he has accumulated averages of 5.4 points and 1.7 rebounds while suiting up for Charlotte from 2022-24, Portland during the 2024-25 season, and now New Orleans.
