Sources: Jameer Nelson agrees to deal with New Orleans Pelicans

Jameer Nelson is in his 14th NBA season. (AP Photo)
Jameer Nelson is in his 14th NBA season. (AP Photo)

Free-agent guard Jameer Nelson has agreed to a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources told The Vertical.

Nelson entered free agency Wednesday, when the Denver Nuggets waived him to create roster space to sign Richard Jefferson and allow second-year guard Jamal Murray to assume the starting point-guard role.

Nelson, in his 14th NBA season, became the top free agent on the market and received interest from contenders such as the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder and several other franchises that hoped to add the respected and accomplished veteran. But for Nelson, the Pelicans represent an opportunity to play significant minutes and provide leadership.

Nelson gives the Pelicans a starting-caliber point guard and outside shooting in the absence of the injured Rajon Rondo. New Orleans is 0-2 after Friday night’s home loss to Golden State and visits the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Nelson, 35, averaged 9.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 38.8 percent from 3-point range in 75 games last season. He made the All-Star team in 2009 and has averaged 11.7 points and 5.2 assists with Orlando, Dallas, Boston and Denver.

The Pelicans plan to waive Jordan Crawford to clear a roster spot, league sources said.

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