Pelicans’ Karlo Matkovic exits Slovenian club for NBA

Karlo Matkovic is set to join the NBA, as announced by Slovenian Club Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. The New Orleans Pelicans, who hold his NBA draft rights from the 2022 draft, have an open roster spot and are $2.6 million below the luxury tax.

Matkovic, a 6-foot-11 center, has displayed impressive stats this season, averaging 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.

The Pelicans can use their remaining Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE) or explore the new second-pick exception for a potential three- or four-year deal with Matkovic.