Kavell Bigby-Williams is staying in the state of Louisiana.
The former LSU center-power forward has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Former Times-Picayune-NOLA.com reporter Andrew Lopez had reported back in July that New Orleans was looking to add the former Tiger — especially after a successful run last month in the NBA Summer League.
The deal was reported as official on Tuesday by Keith Smith — a contributor for Yahoo Sports NBA.
After going undrafted and not sticking with the Charlotte Hornets (who signed him to an Exhibit 10 deal in June), Bigby-Williams appeared in all six of the Pelicans’ games in Las Vegas, including starting the first two games, and averaged 7.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest.
Bigby-Williams was at his best in those two games he started as he recorded a pair of double-doubles. Bigby-Williams recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in a 80-74 win over the New York Knicks, and then followed that with 14 points and 14 rebounds in a 84-79 loss to Washington.
The 6-foo-11, 250-pound Bigby-Williams began his collegiate career at Oregon where he was a member of the 2016-17 Ducks team that advanced to the NCAA Men’s Final Four. The London native transferred to LSU and was forced to sit out the 2017-18 season due to the NCAA transfer policy.
In his lone season playing for LSU, Bigby-Williams helped the Tigers to a regular season Southeastern Conference title and advance to the NCAA Sweet 16. In 35 games, Bigby-Williams averaged 7.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 blocks per game while averaging shooting 61.7 percent from the field.
The Exhibit 10 deal that Bigby-Williams has reportedly signed is a one-year contract worth the minimum salary. This type of deal does not come with any compensation protection but could include a small bonus ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.