The New Orleans Pelicans and Lonzo Ball did not come to an agreement on an extension, Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday. Per Wojnarowski, though, the Pelicans and Ball “remain positive about the ability to move forward together.”
Like teammate Brandon Ingram last year, Ball will now head into the season with restricted free agency looming in the upcoming off-season. It doesn’t necessarily spell the end of Ball’s time in New Orleans as Ingram obviously returned to the franchise but it adds some uncertainty.
In the last year, Ball has changed representation twice, switching from Creative Artists Agency to RocNation Sports with the agency officially announcing the signing with Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo in June. However, almost exactly three months later, Ball joined Klutch Sports and Rich Paul.
Ball had a breakout season with the Pelicans have two subpar seasons in Los Angeles. After drastically changing his jumper in his brief off-season, Ball saw marked improvements in his three-point shooting, connecting at a 37.5% rate on 6.3 attempts per game.
As impressive as his season was, Ball ended his campaign on a sour note with a poor showing in the bubble. Over his seven games in Orlando, he averaged 7.1 points and shot just 28.1% from three.
This preseason, though, Ball has looked a changed player and has drawn the praise of not just head coach Stan Van Gundy but his teammates as well. Ultimately, though, that did not factor enough into the situation as Ball and the Pelicans will move forward without a long-term deal.