Former Houston Rockets Lithuanian big man Donatas Motiejunas has reportedly inked a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans as the Tom Benson-owned basketball club announced on Tuesday.

According to a published report of the ESPN, the terms of the contract were not disclosed, but seasoned sports writer Marc Stein reported on Sunday that the deal is for one year at a pro-rated share of the $1.1 million veteran's minimum.

Like Us on Facebook

The New Orleans, which currently ranks 11th in the 15-team Western Conference with a 14-22 win-loss record, waived the 30-year-old veteran forward Reggie Williams on Sunday to clear a roster spot.

Motiejunas, who became an unrestricted free agent on Dec. 15, will be joining the Pelicans team that has committed to a small ball with superstar Anthony Davis sliding to center the past four games, in which they are 3-1. Traditional center Omer Asik has not played in New Orleans' past five games, and Alexis Ajinca has not played in the past four matches.

According to USA Today, the Pelicans were competing with several NBA teams for the 7-foot-0 Lithuanian, who was scheduled to meet with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, but canceled to focus on exclusive negotiations with the Alvin Gentry-headed basketball club.

It could be recalled that the Timberwolves were the team that selected Motiejunas in the 2011 NBA Draft night but traded his rights, along with Jonny Flynn to the Rockets, in exchange for Brad Miller and the draft rights to the 23rd overall pick, Nikola Mirotic.

With a proven mid-range jump shot, Motiejunas can play the positions of forward or center. His ability to defend power forwards or centers would mean a lot when he is on the court with Davis.

The 26-year-old 2011 NBA Draft 20th overall pick is averaging 7.8 points and four rebounds in his four seasons with the Rockets. Motiejunas had a back surgery in the year 2015 and has only played for 37 games in the last season.

TagsDonatas Motiejunas, NBA, houston rockets, Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans