In the last few days, it had become a foregone conclusion that veteran forward Josh Smith would sign with the New Orleans Pelicans.

This was made official on Saturday afternoon as he has inked his deal and will be available to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today the team has signed forward Josh Smith after receiving an injury hardship exemption by the NBA. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

This will mark his first return to the league since the 2015-16 season with the Houston Rockets. The 31-year-old had signed a three-month, $1.5 million deal with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association last season. He had decided to leave the team back in late January after playing in 26 games where he averaged 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per contest.

Smith brings plenty of experience to the team while providing rebounding and scoring off the bench. He could also be a serviceable option in the starting lineup if the Pelicans choose to do go that route. It would provide them a huge frontcourt lineup with Smith next to both DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.

In his 12-year career, Smith has played for the Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and L.A. Clippers where he is averaging 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.9 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game.