Former Brisbane Bullets player Will Magnay has been waived by the New Orleans Pelicans, he will stay in the US to have minor foot surgery, pursue more NBA opportunities and prepare for Australia’s Tokyo Olympics campaign.
The Pelicans opted to waive his two-way contract to create space to sign former Atlanta, Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Houston small forward James Nunnally on a two-way deal.
The Pelicans are waiving Will Magnay to clear the way for James Nunnally’s two-way deal, source tells ESPN.
Wing depth is needed and Magnay was behind a bevy of players in the big rotation.
Nunnally will sign his deal today.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 12, 2021
Magnay became the 25th Australian to play in an NBA when he debuted for the Pelicans in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers in March.
Will Magnay suited up for the Pelicans in only one game this season but impressed with his play for the franchise’s G League team – the Erie BayHawks.
The 22-year-old Brisbane product averaged 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists through his 10 regular-season games with the BayHawks. He scored a season-high 20 points against the Raptors 905 back in February and attracted widespread praise from G League and NBA scouts alike.
With Magnay sitting behind a host of other talented players in big man rotation including New Zealand’s Steven Adams, promising young centre Jaxon Hayes and Spain’s Willy Hernangómez the team’s need for another big wasn’t as important as their lack of wing depth at the moment, leaving Magnay in limbo. Injuries to back-up perimeter players Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have created a huge hole in the team’s perimeter game with the team promoting fellow two-way contract holder Naji Marshall to the Pelicans roster.
The cut is tough to take, but the timing could be perfect given the former Brisbane Bullets star is set to have a minor operation to remove bone spurs in his foot which will allow him to be fit and healthy in time for the Tokyo Olympics.
Upon being waived by New Orleans, Magnay was contacted by multiple NBL clubs enquiring about his desire to return to Australia but he opted to remain in America for his recovery post foot surgery.
The Australian Boomers training camp is expected to be based in Las Vegas in around May/June so remaining in the USA seemed appropriate.
While there’s no avenue to playing time for Magnay there could be a scenario where the Pelicans may be able to bring him back in a few weeks. There are plans to move small forward Naji Marshall from a two-way contract to a regular NBA contract. Opening up a two-way contract spot for Magnay to return to post-surgery.
Magnay’s journey from development player with the Bullets to going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, a three-year stint in the NBL and finally a two-way NBA contract will inspire countless Australian kids to follow in his footsteps.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
