The New Orleans Pelicans and Lonzo Ball failed to reach an agreement on an extension by Monday evening’s deadline, thus sending Ball into a contract year ahead of restricted free agency. The Pelicans took the same approach with Brandon Ingram last season, punting at the chance for an extension before ultimately signing him to a maximum contract this off-season at $158 million.
For Ball, injuries and inconsistency, two things that also plagued Ingram, led to an uncertain future and an uncertain value placed on Ball’s production level both present and future. By opting to punt their decision to the upcoming off-season, the Pelicans are hoping one more season of sample size will clear things up.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks took a look at the extensions that were and weren’t handed out on Monday and offered some analysis on Ball’s situation. Marks cited a pair of recent contracts as barometers for Ball heading into contract negotiations.
“If Ball stays healthy and plays at a high level this season, a new contract should start in the $16-18 million range next offseason, similar to the Hornets’ Terry Rozier and Spurs’ Dejounte Murray (keep in mind that the $16.8 million salary this season of teammate Eric Bledsoe ranks no. 22 among all point guards). The high end for Ball would be the four-year, $80 million contract that Malcolm Brogdon signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2019.”
When LonzoWire broke down contract extension possibilities during the lockdown, Dejounte Murray’s contract was one that was used as a comparison as well and came to a similar conclusion to Bobby Marks:
“Ball’s contract, then, would likely come in somewhere in the neighborhood of $18 million at the top end and $15-16 million on the low end. The amount of years is far less predictable. It wouldn’t be a surprise if it was a three-year deal with a player option for a fourth year. That would get him into free agency after his seventh season in the league where, under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, he would be eligible for a 30% max contract.”
Ball will ultimately be a restricted free agent and, like Ingram, should likely stay with the franchise. But if he’s able to prove he’s both healthy and consistent, he could be in for a big payday next summer like Ingram.
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