Sources: Pelicans release veteran forward Josh Smith

Shams Charania
Josh Smith played in three games for New Orleans. (AP)
Josh Smith played in three games for New Orleans. (AP)

The New Orleans Pelicans have released 13-year veteran forward Josh Smith, league sources told The Vertical.

Smith signed with the Pelicans on Oct. 28 under an injury hardship exception and appeared in three games, totaling two points and four rebounds in over 11 minutes.

New Orleans went 3-1 on its recent road trip and is 6-6 entering Satuday’s home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Smith has averaged 14.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in his NBA career with Atlanta, Detroit, the Clippers, Houston and New Orleans. He now re-enters free agency in search of a team that could use some frontcourt depth.

Smith, 31, had last played in the NBA in 2015-16 with Houston. He has since played overseas, including in China, and in three preseason games against NBA teams in training camp with Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Premier League.