The New Orleans Pelicans have signed forward Julian Reese to a two-way contract, adding a young rebounder to their system. The move addresses a clear roster need for New Orleans as they handle the final stages of their offseason preparation. The team's recent form shows the need for reinforcement, having lost four of their last five games, including a 132-126 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April -13, 2026.
Julian Reese is a 23-year-old forward who played 13 NBA games as a rookie for the Washington Wizards last season. In that limited action, he posted averages of 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is the younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese and, like his sister, has built his early reputation on work on the glass. Reese went undrafted out of Maryland in 2025 and spent most of his first professional year on a two-way deal, playing 27 games in the G League where he averaged 9.6 points and 8.0 rebounds.
He may not be a flashy scorer, but his physical presence fills a specific gap. The Pelicans have desperately needed to add rebounding this offseason. Reese's signing directly targets that weakness. He also reunites with his former Maryland teammate, current Pelicans big man Derik Queen, which should help his acclimation.
New Orleans had just one open two-way roster spot remaining. Players like Kobe Bufkin and Christian Koloko, who are on training camp deals, were expected to compete for it. By giving it to Reese, the Pelicans' front office, led by General Manager Troy Weaver, signaled a priority for rebounding and a familiar profile. Weaver, who is from Washington D.C., has a history of adding talent from the DMV area, and several players with those ties are already on the squad.
This should foster instant chemistry. The decision also means there will now be competition for a spot on the initial roster of the Laketown Squadron, New Orleans' G League affiliate. Reese's proven production on the boards, even in a small NBA sample, made him a target over other available options.
Reese joins a Pelicans team trying to stabilize after a tough end to the regular season. Their recent results include heavy losses to the Boston Celtics (144 118 on April 10) and the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus narrow defeats to the Orlando Magic (112 108) and Sacramento Kings (117 113). Their lone win in the last five was a 156 137 offensive outburst against the Utah Jazz on April 8.
Adding a specialist like Reese on a flexible two-way contract is a low risk move with a clear purpose. He provides depth behind the main rotation and a specific skill the team can call upon if needed. His signing closes the two-way roster, but the battle for standard contracts and final places continues. Fans can track the evolving roster and upcoming games on the team's [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Reese was also linked with the New York Knicks, who had open two-way spots. Some analysts considered him a strong match there. But New York may have been concerned about how his numbers, posted on a struggling Wizards team that won just once in his 13 appearances, would translate to a high pressure defending champion environment. The Knicks also have a clear preference for taller centers, having added several seven footers to camp.
For the Pelicans, those concerns are less pressing. They need competitive energy and players who can contribute in a defined role. Julian Reese, on this deal, is exactly that. His path to more consistent NBA minutes will be through relentless effort on the boards and defense, starting with his work in the G League.
