Pelicans D-League star Pierre Jackson signs in Istanbul

It's not exactly how we wanted Pierre Jackson to be freed, but the talented guard is leaving the D-League.

According to multiple sources, Jackson has signed with Fenerebahce Ulker in Istanbul.

Jackson was leading the D-League in scoring by a country mile, averaging 29.1 points with 3.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.9 steals. The New Orleans Pelicans own his draft rights but were unable to simply call him up, and other teams weren't free to sign him, as explained below.

Jackson's deal reportedly allows him to back out until Friday in the event the Pelicans trade his rights at Thursday's deadline.

If the Pelicans retain Jackson's rights, as they did this offseason when he signed in France, they could look to sign him this summer.

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