Report: Ex-Cat Julius Randle agrees to join Anthony Davis in New Orleans

Former University of Kentucky standout Anthony Davis lost one former Wildcat but replaced him with a new one on Monday.

Julius Randle, who was allowed by the Los Angeles Lakers to become an unrestricted free agent Monday, quickly agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to a report by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The move came shortly after Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo, another former UK player, reportedly agreed to a contract with the Lakers.

According to the ESPN report, Davis was instrumental in recruiting Randle to New Orleans. That could signal that Pelicans free agent center and ex-Cat DeMarcus Cousins is on his way out.

The Lakers, who secured a commitment from LeBron James on Sunday night, are rumored to have interest in Cousins, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

Rondo is expected to be replaced in New Orleans by free agent point guard Elfrid Payton, who finished last season in Phoenix after a trade from Orlando. Payton, a New Orleans native, reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Pelicans on Sunday.

Randle, 23, averaged 16.1 points and eight rebounds in 2017-18. The Lakers did not reach the playoffs during his four seasons. He was the No. 7 overall draft pick out of Kentucky in 2014 but played in only one game his rookie season before breaking a leg.

Davis led the Pelicans to the Western Conference semifinals in 2017-18.