Sources: Free-agent guard Mike James to sign two-way deal with Pelicans
After being released from the Phoenix Suns in December, guard Mike James will sign a two-way NBA contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
James’ remaining two-way days will take him through the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline and All-Star break with the Pelicans, who plan to use the 27-year-old rookie in the league and not on G League assignments.
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James made a positive impact with the Suns, averaging 10.4 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 32 games (10 starts). He had his two-way contract with Phoenix converted in December when he signed for the remainder of the season, but the sides mutually decided to part ways on Dec. 22 to give James an opportunity to land elsewhere after falling out of the rotation.
James will provide the Pelicans with additional backcourt depth and offense off the bench. New Orleans is currently the eighth seed in the Western Conference at 21-20, but is a half-game out of the fifth seed in a close postseason standings race.
James made his debut in the NBA this season after spending his previous pro seasons overseas. He went undrafted in 2012 after attending Lamar and Eastern Arizona.
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