NBA free agency doesn't officially start until Sunday night, but the New Orleans Pelicans are out to an early start by finalizing a two-year deal with EuroLeague star Nicolo Melli:

Melli is a 29-year-old power forward who led the EuroLeague Finals in scoring last year while playing for Turkey's Fenerbahce. This isn't the first time NBA teams have been interested in Melli, but before he decided he wanted to stay in the EuroLeague.

According to Will Guillory of The Athletic, the Pelicans feel Melli is a guy who can stretch the floor from the power forward position, which fills a major need:

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This past season, Melli started 34 games for Fenerbahce, averaging 7.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He also shot 47.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from deep.

The Pelicans enjoyed some success with a European stretch 4 in Nikola Mirotic two seasons ago, and they're hoping Melli can replicate some of that in order to help space the floor for No. 1 pick Zion Williamson, who will do most of his damage inside.

After trading away Anthony Davis, the Pelicans made it clear they are trying to reload, not rebuild, and the signing of Nicolo Melli makes it clear that this is a team that will be trying to make a run at the playoffs this upcoming season.