After not agreeing to an extension with the Pelicans in the offseason, Lonzo Ball’s strong play this year in New Orleans has put the franchise, and Ball, in interesting positions. Ball’s value has skyrocketed nearly as quickly as his 3-point percentage this season, putting the Pelicans in a bind.
On one hand, Ball has proven to be a terrific complement to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the building blocks of the franchise. On the other hand, restricted free agency could set the Pelicans up with the choice of matching a hefty offer sheet or letting Ball walk for free.
The New York Knicks are positioned to be one of the teams to submit an offer sheet to Ball and the New York Post’s Marc Berman says the team is set to do just that this offseason.
“ESPN’s cap guru Bobby Marks told The Post he doubts the Pelicans would match an offer sheet that starts higher than $18 million. The max starting number is $28 million.
The Post has learned the Knicks, with plenty of cap room, would be heavily on Ball’s radar as a restricted free agent.”
The Pelicans would likely be more willing to match a deal for Ball if they can get off of Eric Bledsoe’s deal. The veteran guard is due to make $18.1 million next season, a price far outweighing his value in New Orleans currently.
However, even without Bledsoe in the picture, signing Ball to an offer sheet of $18 million would mean the Pelicans would be committing $75 million to Ball, Ingram, Williamson and Steven Adams next season.
Ball’s play has put the Pelicans in a predicament that will lead to an interesting decision at the trade deadline and the offseason for New Orleans.