Reports: Former Blazers F Luke Babbitt Freed By BC Nizhny Novgorod To Sign With Pelicans

Former Portland Trail Blazers forward Luke Babbitt has reportedly reached an agreement with his Russian club that will allow him to sign with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to multiple reports.

As noted on Wednesday, Babbitt abruptly left the Russian club BC Nizhny Novgorod to return to the United States, angering the team's GM and coach, who initially said they wouldn't provide a letter of clearance.

Serbian journalist DJordje Matic reported on Twitter that the parties were able to reach an agreement.

Luke Babbitt is on the way to Pelicans. Done deal between player, Pelicans and Niznhy Novgorod

Hat tip: HoopsHype.com

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com adds these details...

Former Portland Trail Blazers forward Luke Babbitt and the New Orleans Pelicans have reached an agreement on a two-year deal, a league source informed CSNNW.com. ... The two sides reached a buyout yesterday and Babbitt is expected to report to New Orleans on Tuesday.

Full story here.

Babbitt agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Russian team back in August after the Blazers decided not to extend a fourth-year rookie option to the 2010 first-round pick.

Babbitt, 24, holds NBA career averages of 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds over three seasons. Babbitt was averaging 13.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for BC Nizhny Novgorod in VTB United League play, according to EuroBasket.com.

New Orleans (19-26) has been struck by a rash of injuries to Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson, among others, this season.

Circle the date on your calendar and mark it "triumphant return": The Pelicans will make their next visit to the Moda Center on Sunday, April 6.

Thanks to colbymac in the FanShots.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter