Pelicans Sign Veteran Center DeAndre Jordan to One-Year Deal

New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans Pelicans have signed veteran center DeAndre Jordan to a one-year contract worth $3.6 million, as confirmed by Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management.

The announcement came on Friday, but specific contract details were not disclosed. The Pelicans are looking to bolster their front line amid ongoing injury issues.

Jordan joins a team led by big man Zion Williamson, who has faced health challenges, missing at least 12 games each season of his NBA career. The Pelicans are currently without center Jaxson Hayes due to a left knee injury, prompting them to utilize several players in the center position.

In their season-opening loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans relied on rookie centers, which proved to be a challenging situation. Starter Missi is currently listed as day-to-day with an ankle twist sustained during the game.

Jordan was spotted with the Pelicans on Friday morning and might see action in their next game against the San Antonio Spurs.

At 37 years old, Jordan is entering his 18th season in the NBA. The three-time All-NBA center won a championship in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets, where he spent the last three seasons.

Jordan provided veteran leadership and reliability as a backup center in Denver, playing 56 games last season – his highest total since the 2020-21 season. He averaged 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes on the court.

Having played 1,111 career games with 791 starts, Jordan now joins the Pelicans as his eighth NBA team.