The New Orleans Pelicans will use an injury exemption to create roster space to sign James Southerland out of the NBA Development League, a league source told RealGM.

Southerland’s deal for the remainder of the season won’t carry into 2014-15. The Pelicans had received an exemption that allows the team to exceed 15 players on the roster, which has sustained significant injuries to Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson.

The Pelicans announced Thursday that Anthony Davis (back) and Eric Gordon (knee) are out for the rest of the season.

Southerland made the Charlotte Bobcats’ roster out of training camp in October and appeared in one game before his release. The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter has averaged 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the D-League.

ESPN first reported Southerland’s call up to New Orleans.