Not long after news broke that the Los Angeles Lakers had made Julius Randle an unrestricted free agent, he’s reportedly landed with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports Randle has signed a two-year deal worth $18 million to join New Orleans.
Interestingly, the Lakers inked former Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo to a one-year, $9 million deal right after the news broke that Randle was no longer part of Los Angeles’ plans.
Yeah, it’s enough to make your head spin, isn’t it?
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers released Randle at his own request. He knew the team wasn’t all-in on him long term and wanted to be free to pursue his own path, which obviously has happened.
According to multiple sources Julius Randle asked to be renounced by the the Lakers once it became clear his role could dramatically change this season and the team wasn’t interested in making a longer term commitment to him.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
Last year, his fourth in the Association, Randle averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.5 blocks and 0.5 steals per game for the Lakers. He’ll be a solid player to contribute next to Anthony Davis, who reportedly was very influential in bringing him to New Orleans.
Anthony Davis' tenacious recruiting helped close the deal on Randle, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/8BzHoVYnT5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
This move by New Orleans also signals that perhaps DeMarcus Cousins won’t be returning to the fold, which is something that’s been hinted at for a while now due to his price tag.