Jalen Pickett, Clippers Agree To Two-Way Deal

Pickett, 26, spent the past three seasons in Denver after being selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 draft. The former Penn State standout barely played as a rookie, but he took on more of a rotation role over the past couple years. In 2025/26, he appeared in 50 games, making 18 starts, and averaged 5.2 points, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per night.

Pickett has shown some ability to space the floor. After knocking down 38.1% of his outside shots in his final college season, the 6’2″ guard has converted 38.7% at the NBA level, averaging 5.7 three-point attempts per 36 minutes.

The Nuggets held a $2.4MM team option on Pickett for the 2026/27 season, which would have cost slightly less than a veteran’s minimum deal. However, the cap-strapped club decided not to pick up that option and then didn’t tender Pickett a qualifying offer, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. Now, he appears set to fill the lone two-way opening on the Clippers’ roster alongside Sean Pedulla and 2026 second-rounder Nick Martinelli.

Big man Jamarion Sharp was also reported to have a two-way deal in place with L.A. a couple weeks ago, but that agreement has yet to be officially finalized. Assuming the team still intends to add Sharp along with Pickett, Pedulla may be the odd man out — his two-way contract carried over from last season, whereas Martinelli just signed his in July.

Pickett will earn up to $678,882 on his two-way contract and will be eligible to appear in as many as 50 regular season games. The deal will cover one season, putting him on track for free agency again in 2027.