The Pelicans have reportedly re-signed free agent reserve center Willy Hernangomez.
The new pact is for three years, according to Andrew Lopez of ESPN, with the third year being a team option, per Christian Clark of NOLA.com. A salary figure had not yet surfaced as of Friday morning.
Hernangomez, 27, played for his native Spain in the Tokyo Olympics this summer, posting a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double in his team's loss to Team USA in the quarterfinals.
The five-year veteran previously spent time with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks, after he was drafted in the second round by the 76ers back in 2015.
After struggling to find consistent minutes in Charlotte and New York, Hernangomez seems to have carved out a niche as a reserve in New Orleans.
He played well in 18 minutes per game last season, averaging 7 rebounds and just shy of 8 points on 56% shooting from the floor in his limited action. Those numbers would comfortably put him in range of averaging a double-double with an expanded role, which, as Lopez noted, he did 11 times in 12 starts last season.
However, with his apparent lack of deep shooting and below-average defensive stats, it appears Hernangomez will back up newly acquired presumed starter Jonas Valanciunas and power forward Zion Williamson in the Pelicans' front court. Third-year reserve Jaxson Hayes is also in the mix.