Angel Reese's Brother Julian Reportedly Lands Pelicans Contract Ahead of 2026-27 NBA Season

The New Orleans Pelicans added more young talent to their roster ahead of the start of training camp next week.

Keith Smith of Spotrac reported that the Pelicans signed forward Julian Reese to a two-way contract on Thursday. Reese is the younger brother of Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.

After going undrafted in 2025, Reese began last season with the Toronto Raptors' G League affiliate before signing a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards in February.

Despite appearing in just 13 games with 10 starts, he showed impressive potential, averaging a double-double with 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in 30.9 minutes of action. He had multiple eye-popping performances, including 18 points and 20 rebounds in a loss to the Utah Jazz in March and 26 points and 17 rebounds in a revenge victory over the Jazz later in the month.

In August, the Wizards traded Reese to the Denver Nuggets, who subsequently released him. He's now joining a Pelicans squad with just two players over the age of 30: point guard Dejounte Murray (30) and center DeAndre Jordan (38).

Signing with New Orleans reunites Reese with his Maryland teammate Derik Queen, who was selected to the All-Rookie second team last season. The two youngsters could create a dominant rebounding tandem if Reese proves to new head coach Jamahl Mosley that he deserves time with the main roster.

The Pelicans begin training camp on Tuesday before opening the preseason against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 6, giving Reese a chance to showcase his skills and compete for a rotational spot.