Julius Randle Signs 2 Year Deal With Pelicans, 2nd Year Has Player Option

Shortly after being renounced by the L.A. Lakers so they could make room to sign former New Orleans guard Rajon Rondo, Julius Randle became an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Pelicans.

Randle is heading to New Orleans on a 2 year, $18 million deal, with the second year of the deal including a player option, according to ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski.

Woj also credits New Orleans superstar Anthony Davis with helping to recruit the fellow Kentucky Wildcat alum.

Drafted 7th overall in 2014 (three spots ahead of newly signed Pelicans point guard Elfrid Payton), Randle is a skilled offensive power forward, who has the ability to switch on defense.

At 23 years old, New Orleans is hoping the 6'9, 250 lb big man can reach his potential playing with Davis, who will allow Randle to utilize his versatility on the block.

Last season in L.A., he averaged 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in his 4th season, in only 26.7 minutes per game.

What does this mean for the future of Boogie Cousins? Time will tell, but the big man is still without a team.

New Orleans currently has power forward Nikola Mirotić under contract for another season, as well as center Alexis Ajinça.