Pelicans Sign DeAndre Jordan After Opener Loss

The New Orleans Pelicans signed veteran center DeAndre Jordan to a one-year, $3.6 million deal to plug urgent frontcourt holes caused by injuries to Kevon Looney and Yves Missi and a thin young rotation following the team's season-opening loss at Memphis. Jordan, a 17-year NBA veteran entering his 18th season and a one-time All-Star and All‑NBA selection, has played 1,111 career games, won a 2023 championship with Denver and averaged 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes over 56 games last season. The Pelicans expect Jordan to provide immediate backup minutes, interior defense and mentorship for young bigs Derik Queen, Yves Missi and Karlo Matković, and he was with the team and expected to be available for the home opener versus San Antonio. The signing fits New Orleans’ payroll situation — the team had room under the tax line and first apron — and arrives ahead of a difficult early stretch that includes the Spurs, Celtics, Nuggets, Clippers and Thunder. Beyond on-court contributions, New Orleans values Jordan’s veteran leadership and locker-room presence, and his past with the Clippers may ease his integration with coach Willie Green.