Willy Hernangomez leaves Pelicans / News - Basketnews.com

New Orleans Pelicans declined option on Willy Hernangomez, making him a free agent.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

New Orleans Pelicans did not pick up the $2.6M option on Spanish center Willy Hernangomez, who is now a free agent, according to Andrew Lopez of ESPN.

Points this season

48%114,4Points made:114,4Accuracy:48,0%Place in standings:13Record max:138Record min:93Best scorer:Brandon IngramTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Hernangomez, 29, is expected to receive interest from EuroLeague powerhouses.

European champion and tournament MVP in FIBA EuroBasket 2022, Hernangomez played 38 games last season, starting two of them. He averaged 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 12 minutes.

Hernangomez leaves New Orleans after a three-year tenure there. His best season came in 2021-22 when he posted 9.1 points and 6.8 boards over 50 appearances.

Additionally, the Pelicans did not extend the $7.7 million qualifying offer to another big man Jaxson Hayes, per the same report. Yet, it's still possible Hayes and New Orleans come to an agreement later.

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