Report: Pelicans to sign former Lakers big man Julius Randle

It wasn’t an actual trade, but a pair of Western Conference teams have essentially swapped players through free agency moves.

The Pelicans will sign former Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Randle agreed to two-year deal worth nearly $18 million Monday. Earlier in the day, Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Lakers.

The 6-foot-9, 250 pound Randle averaged 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds last season.

Randle, another former Kentucky Wildcat, was recruited to join New Orleans by fellow UK product Anthony Davis:

Adding a versatile big forward who can play center, the Pelicans may not end up retaining free agent DeMarcus Cousins. However, a sign-and-trade deal with him to another team could end up being a course of action for New Orleans to add further significant talent to the roster.