By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jalen McDaniels has left the Kobe Storks after mutually agreeing to end his contract, the team announced on Friday.
The 28-year-old forward, older brother of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden, requested the release due to personal reasons, cutting short his first experience playing overseas.
McDaniels had originally signed with the Japanese B.League club in July following a six-season run in the NBA, where he appeared in 260 games.
【#6 ジェイレン・マクダニエルズ選手 契約解除のご報告】
いつも神戸ストークスを応援いただきありがとうございます。
このたび神戸ストークスでは、ジェイレン・マクダニエルズ選手より個人的な事情による契約解除の申し出があり、協議の結果、双方合意のうえ選手契約を解除することとなりましたので、お知らせいたします。
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https://t.co/rPUXq1Em2l#神戸ストークス
— 神戸ストークス公式 (@STORKS_OFFICIAL) October 30, 2026
McDaniels had adapted quickly on the floor in Japan. In 11 appearances for the Storks, he filled the stat sheet by averaging 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per matchup.
His professional journey began back in 2019 when the Charlotte Hornets selected him with the 52nd overall draft pick. He spent his early formative years there before bouncing around the league. Charlotte traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, and just a few months later, he joined the Toronto Raptors. A brief stint with the Washington Wizards followed before he decided to move his career to Japan.
Following his departure, the Kobe organization expressed gratitude to McDaniels, thanking him for his daily dedication during his stay.
Over his entire run in the NBA, the versatile forward maintained balanced production, contributing steady career averages of 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per contest.
The Seattle native and former San Diego State standout in the NCAA is now a free agent looking to take the next step forward in his playing career.
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