Pelicans Draftee Karlo Matkovic Leaves Slovenian Club For NBA

Karlo Matkovic appears headed to the NBA. Slovenian Club Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana announced Matkovic is leaving the team to join the NBA.

The New Orleans Pelicans hold Matkovic's NBA draft rights. He was a second-round pick by the Pelicans at the 2022 NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-11 big man has played two seasons with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. This season Matkovic has averaged 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game across all competitions.

The Pelicans are currently $2.6 million below the luxury tax, with one roster spot open. New Orleans also has most of the Non-Taxpayer MLE remaining. They could also use the new Second Round pick exception to sign Matkovic to a three- or four-year deal.

CESARE MILANTI/EUROHOOPS