The New Orleans Pelicans appear prepared to let Lonzo Ball walk in restricted free agency this offseason. The latest report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania indicates New Orleans will not match any offer sheet that comes Ball’s way in the offseason.
“New Orleans is unlikely to match a significant offer sheet on Ball, sources said. Ball, 23, is among the top point guards on the free-agent market.”
The word significant is obviously subjective, but the threshold appears to be around the $18-20 million mark. Previous reports indicated the Pelicans will not go above $18 million annually in their offer to Ball, but Ball’s market could potentially be in the $20 million annually range.
That would leave the Pelicans in a difficult position with the team’s two cornerstones, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, who publicly campaigned for the point guard to return during exit interviews at the end of the season. The former referred to Ball as a generational talent while the latter said he “really wanted” Ball to return next season, a statement that may carry more weight given his unhappiness could shape how the team addresses the offseason.
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