New Orleans was thought to have wrapped up its 2024-25 signing with the arrival of Javonte Green to fill the 15th and final guaranteed contract on Willie Green's roster. Two days later, the Pelicans finally made room by releasing the shooting guard. Matt Ryan. A rotation player, the 27-year-old winger stood out with his great shooting ability from the outside, averaging over 45% success in addition to three attempts on average over 28 games. A skill that allowed him to sign a three-year contract last April.
The choice is probably explained by the competition for external positions, in particular Herb Jones And Trey Murphy III who will take up a lot of space, leaving only crumbs for the others, including Matt Ryan. In addition, the Pelicans had not yet technically guaranteed his $2.3 million contract year for 2024-25, and they had until the start of the regular season to do so. The Athletic also recalls that New Orleans also had a ” Team Option » for 2025-2026, which also falls through.
By doing so, the management of the Louisiana franchise leaves itself flexibility to act or correct the course depending on how the preseason goes. As for Matt Ryan, his sniper profile should allow him to find a place to fall by the start of the season.
Team option : possibility for a team to activate (or not) the last year of the contract of one of its players, so that he finishes his lease or becomes free agent one year in advance.
