Norris Cole signs one-year qualifying offer with Pelicans

Guard Norris Cole has signed a one-year qualifying offer for $3.03 million with the New Orleans Pelicans, agent Rich Paul told Yahoo Sports.

Cole averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists while shooting 31.3 percent from three-point range with the Pelicans and Miami Heat last season. The 6-foot-2, 174-pounder is expected to play a key reserve role in new coach Alvin Gentry's up-tempo offense.

Cole joined the Pelicans as part of a three-team, trade-deadline deal in February.

The four-year NBA veteran will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Cole was selected with the 28th pick in the first round by the Chicago Bulls in the 2011 NBA draft, but began his career with the Heat after a couple of draft-day trades.