After not agreeing to an extension with the New Orleans Pelicans prior to starting the season, Lonzo Ball has increased his upcoming payday with another strong season in New Orleans. After showing flashes last season, Ball has broken out fully for the Pelicans this season, establishing himself as a legitimate 3-point shooter and a possible piece of New Orleans’ future.
The result will be a hefty payday for Ball this offseason, but could result in him being moved at the deadline as a result. The Pelicans are faced with a decision of retaining Ball and potentially paying him a hefty contract or dealing him at the deadline for another team to make that decision.
That hefty payday could be even heftier than imagine, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
“The Pelicans’ willingness to discuss Lonzo has everything to do with his own market. That’s a common thread here: It’s not that the team doesn’t like the player, but it may not like him at the price that is likely forthcoming in free agency. To that end, one source who has discussed the Lonzo dynamics with New Orleans said the 23-year-old guard is hoping to make approximately $20 million annually on his next deal (he’s a restricted free agent this offseason).”
If Ball’s contract is in the $20 million range, it would mean the Pelicans would have to commit roughly $94 million to the starting five of Ball, Brandon Ingram, Eric Bledsoe, Zion Williamson and Steven Adams.
That also doesn’t factor in a potential restricted free agent deal with Josh Hart as well. The likely outcome would be the Pelicans moving one of, or both, of Bledsoe or Adams.
It’s all setting up for some interesting and pivotal decisions for the Pelicans both in the coming days at the deadline and this summer.