Pelicans Sign Julian Reese to Two-Way Contract

The New Orleans Pelicans signed forward Julian Reese to a two-way contract, giving the 23-year-old another opportunity in the NBA after Denver waived him in August. The signing was recorded in the NBA transaction log and reported by sources citing the team or league. Reese played 13 games for the Washington Wizards last season, starting 10. In 30.9 minutes per game, he averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds, along with 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals. Those statistics reflect his brief stint in Washington, not a full season or a projected role in New Orleans. Washington had acquired Reese before trading him to Denver in August as part of a multiteam deal involving Peyton Watson. The Nuggets waived Reese about a week later, leaving him a free agent before the Pelicans signed him. The move brings him back to a roster connection from college: Reese played at Maryland with current New Orleans center Derik Queen. Reese went undrafted in 2025 after four seasons at Maryland, where he finished with 1,015 career rebounds, second-most in program history.