NBA Moves: Pelicans, Jordan Hawkins, Raptors, Mavs, Zhaire Smith

Pelicans

The Pelicans have exercised their fourth-year option on Jordan Hawkins and their third-year option on Yves Missi, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. Both players now have their rookie-scale contracts guaranteed through the 2026-27 season.

Hawkins, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 draft out of UConn, will make just over $7 million in the final year of his deal. He appeared in 56 games as a rookie, averaging 10.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 23.6 minutes per contest while shooting 33.1% from three.

The sharpshooter is expected to back up Trey Murphy III this season.

Missi, meanwhile, was one of the NBA’s standout rookies a year ago. The Baylor product started 67 of his 73 appearances, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.

With Kevon Looney sidelined to start the season, Missi is expected to remain in the starting lineup.

Raptors

The Raptors are bringing back guard A.J. Lawson on a two-way contract, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Michael Grange of Sportsnet first reported that Toronto was planning to re-sign the 25-year-old.

Lawson, a Toronto native, was cut Thursday but will clear waivers before being re-added. Because he wasn’t on an Exhibit 10 contract, the team had to wait before converting him to a two-way deal.

He averaged 9.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 26 games last season for the Raptors while shooting 42% from the field. Toronto has an open two-way slot available, so no additional roster move is needed.

Mavericks

Dallas has signed forward Matt Cross, center Jamarion Sharp, and guard Zhaire Smith, the team announced.

Cross, a 6-foot-7 forward, wrapped up his college career at SMU last season, averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Sharp, a 7-foot-5 shot-blocking specialist, played for the Mavericks’ G League affiliate last year, posting 3.2 blocks per game.

Smith, a former first-round pick of the Sixers in 2018, averaged 20.9 points in the G League last season after bouncing back from early-career injuries and a severe allergic reaction that nearly ended his career.

All three are expected to be waived and join the Texas Legends, where they’ll be eligible for Exhibit 10 bonuses worth up to $85,300 if they remain with the club for at least 60 days.