Wenyen Gabriel signs with the New Orleans Pelicans

Wenyen Gabriel is headed to the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, the former Kentucky forward has signed a two-year deal with the Pelicans worth the vet minimum, with the second year being a team option.

The Pelicans have signed forward Wenyen Gabriel and guard Sindarius Thornwell, source tells ESPN.

Both on vet minimum deals.

Gabriel on a two-year deal with a team option on second year. Thornwell sticks around after spending bubble with Pels.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) November 23, 2020

After going undrafted in 2018, Gabriel joined the Sacramento Kings for the Summer League before signing a two-way contract with the franchise.

Going into his second year in the league, the Kings converted Gabriel’s contract to a standard deal before trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 20, 2020. In 30 total games, Gabriel averaged 2.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.4 steals per contest.

Gabriel now joins former Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe in New Orleans, who was traded to the Pelicans last week.

In two years at Kentucky, the former Wildcat averaged 5.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest. Gabriel improved in virtually every major statistical category as a sophomore, including new highs in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, 3-point field goals, field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage and free-throw percentage. He was named to the 2018 Southeastern Conference All-Tournament Team after averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks during UK’s three-game run to the SEC championship.