The New Orleans Pelicans are finalizing a contract that would land them free agent big man Donatas Motiejunas. The deal is for the $1.1 million veteran's minimum which is a big bargain for Motiejunas. It was an important acquisition for a team that's looking to make it to the playoffs.
According to ESPN, the New Orleans Pelicans freed up a roster spot for Motiejunas by waiving veteran Reggie Williams. The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have also shown interested in the 26-year old Lithuanian. The Lakers even flew Motiejunas in for an audition in front of the players and coaches of the team.
In a CBS Sports report, it said that the New Orleans Pelicans took advantage of the contract dispute between Motiejunas and the Houston Rockets. During the summer, the Brooklyn Nets signed Motiejunas to a $37 million four-year contract, but Houston decided to match the offer. Motiejunas did not want to play for the Rockets anymore because they lowered their offer to $31 million so he did not take the physical. The Rockets ended up severing their ties with the big man when he finally took the physical.
Donatas Montiejunas basically lost $30 million by signing with the New Orleans Pelicans for the veteran's minimum. If he performs well, then he will definitely get a better deal in the offseason.
The New Orleans Pelicans are going to get a veteran who is a solid defender and good post player. They can opt to play him alongside star player Anthony Davis and Alexis Ajinca or Omer Asik. He can only do wonders for a team that is currently in a four-game winning streak. They may have started the season slow but that is because of their injury woes but now they can focus on the future now that Tyreke Evans and the entire team is finally healthy.
Check out this video of New Orleans Pelicans highlights this season:
