NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Pelicans continue to add young talent to their roster, and today's move is an interesting one as training camp approaches.

According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the Pelicans have signed forward Julian Reese to a two-way contract. Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, gives New Orleans another young big to evaluate as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Reese Has Already Shown What He Can Do

Reese went undrafted in 2025 and spent the beginning of last season with the Toronto Raptors’ G League affiliate before landing with the Washington Wizards on a two-way contract in February. He didn't play a huge number of games, appearing in just 13. Reese averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game, showing that his rebounding ability could be his biggest calling card.

He also had a couple of performances that stood out where he put up 18 points and 20 rebounds against Utah in March, then followed that up later in the month with 26 points and 17 rebounds in another game against the Jazz.

A Familiar Face in New Orleans

There is another interesting part of this signing: Reese will be reunited with former Maryland teammate Derik Queen. Obviously Queen had a strong rookie season and putting the two former college teammates back on the same roster gives New Orleans an opportunity to see what they can do together.

With training camp beginning Tuesday and the preseason opener against Oklahoma City coming up on Oct. 6, Reese won't have to wait long for his opportunity. And for the Pelicans, this is another low-risk chance to take a look at a young player who has already shown flashes of what he can become.



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