The Pelicans are close to a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum with free agent forward Jeff Adrien, a source told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). Adrien appeared in 17 games with the Timberwolves last season, averaging 3.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12.6 minutes. The 6’7” forward, who played in China after Minnesota waived him in January, has played for five teams in his five-year career.
The Pelicans are over the cap and hard-capped. They have $768,907 remaining on their mid-level exception after signing Dante Cunningham, Alonzo Gee and Bryce Dejean-Jones with it. They also have their $2.139MM bi-annual exception available.
The Magic, Mavs, Timberwolves, Knicks, Hornets and Sixers also showed interest in Adrien, the source told Spears.
Adrien would join a crowded group of forwards that includes Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter, Luke Babbitt, Ryan Anderson and Cunningham as well as superstar Anthony Davis.
Adrien made his NBA debut with the Warriors in 2010/11. He has also played for the Rockets, Hornets and Bucks. He has averaged 4.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 14.0 minutes in 153 career games.
Why can’t we just sign Norris Cole
It’s curious that the Cole situation has dragged on as long as it has. But he’s a restricted free agent and it’s likely that he’ll wind up in New Orleans.
U C O N N uconn uconn uconn! Homerism aside, a per minute marvel who deserves a shot
Adrien is one of those guys who keeps getting NBA jobs because of his work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work.
Adrien can play. He averaged 10.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 25.2 minutes per game across a 28-game stint with the Bucks in 2013/14.