Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia 76ers have officially sent All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans for the rights to center Nerlens Noel and a 2014 protected first-round draft pick.
The Pelicans also received guard Pierre Jackson -- the 42nd overall pick in this year's NBA draft.
A first-round draft pick in 2009 out of UCLA, Holiday made the All-Star team this past season after signing a four-year extension with Philadelphia. He averaged 17.7 points and 8.0 assists over 78 games and joined Wilt Chamberlain (1967-68) as the only players in franchise history to average at least 17.0 points and 8.0 assists in a single season.
Over his first four seasons, Holiday has averaged 13.4 points and 5.8 assists in 298 contests.
"Jrue is the ideal fit for our team having already established himself as an All-Star guard at the age of 23," said Pelicans general manager Dell Demps. "His leadership abilities also fit the culture we are developing for our franchise and he will be an integral addition to the Pelicans family for many years to come."
The 6-foot-10 Noel was chosen No. 6 overall by the Pelicans last month. His only season at Kentucky was cut short by a torn ACL in his left knee. He played 24 games before suffering the injury in February against Florida.
Noel had surgery a month later, once swelling subsided, but his recovery is expected to take between 6-8 months.
The 19-year-old averaged 10.5 points for the Wildcats and led the SEC in rebounding at 9.5 per game while topping the nation in blocked shots at 4.4 per outing.
"Nerlens Noel and an additional 2014 first round draft choice give us two new opportunities to add talent to our team," Sixers president of basketball operations and general manager Sam Hinkie said.
Jackson played his final two collegiate years at Baylor and led the Big 12 in points per game (19.8) and assists per game (7.1) last season.
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