Pelicans trying to sign C Ajinca
The New Orleans Pelicans are trying to bolster their depth when it comes to big men.
The Pelicans are in process of signing 7'2" French center Alexis Ajinca, but the deal isn't finalized yet. New Orleans needs to buy out Ajinca's current contract with SIG Strasbourg of the French League.
If a deal can be reached, Ajinca would likely provide depth for the Pelicans, not starting power. However, the 25-year-old is regarded as one of the top centers in Europe, with the way he uses his length to block shots.
The French National Team member has had several stops in the NBA. The Charlotte Bobcats selected Ajinca with the 20th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. The Bobcats traded Ajinca to the Dallas Mavericks in 2010. In early 2011, the Mavericks traded him to the Toronto Raptors, and when the NBA lockout began, Ajinca went back home to sign with SIG Strasbourg.