National Basketball Association

AP Source: Restricted free agent Cole to return to Pelicans

Published Sep. 16, 2015 5:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

METAIRIE, La. (AP) A person familiar with the situation says restricted free agent guard Norris Cole has agreed to return to New Orleans this season.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team has not announced the agreement, which was first reported by Yahoo Sports.

Cole, who turns 27 next month, was acquired in a trade from Miami last season and played in 28 regular season games for the Pelicans, averaging close to 10 points and three assists.

As a restricted free agent, he could have signed with another club and forced New Orleans to match that offer to keep him. Instead, he has agreed to the Pelicans' one-year, $3.03 million qualifying offer, which will make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.