Pelicans agree to two-year deal with EuroLeague standout Nicolo Melli

The New Orleans Pelicans welcomed the open of the NBA free agency period Sunday by adding a player who has yet to play in the league. Italian forward Nicolo Melli has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract to leave Turkish power Fenerbahce.

EuroLeague power forward Nicolo Melli has agreed to a two-year, $8M deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports tells ESPN. https://t.co/xCELXy6tu7

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

The 6-foot-9, 235 pounder helped Fenerbahce reach the final four of the EuroLeague last season. He fits the profile of a classic stretch four who will help a Pelicans roster in need of spacing. The 28-year old Melli has reportedly turned down past offers to come to the NBA.

Melli’s game resembles former Pelicans forward Nikola Mirotic, who has returned to Europe to play for Barcelona.