3:27pm: The Pelicans have officially exercised Okafor’s team option, the team announced today in a press release.
11:24am: New Orleans will pick up its $1.7MM option on center Jahlil Okafor for next season, tweets Malika Andrews of ESPN.
The third overall pick in 2015, Okafor revived his career after signing with the Pelicans as a free agent last summer. He appeared in 59 games, starting 24, and averaged 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per night. He impressed the coaching staff with his improved fitness and a commitment to defense, Andrews adds.
Okafor only has a $54K guarantee on next year’s contract, notes Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link). He’ll have to remain on the roster through January 7 for it to become fully guaranteed.
Okafor is one of a handful of players with team options for 2019/20. The complete list is available here.
Okafor and #4 for Covington, Saric, and #12
Okafor ends up backing up his draft mate in Towns
Not enough for No 4… Pels would certainly want a future 1st
This just makes the twolves a lot worse so why?
This would not make the Wolves worse dude.
But it would also never happen. Okafor is too valuable on that contract and with no AD.
I see the pelicans wanting a future pick too
Are you on meth?
No chance .. How about Teaque, Deng and #11 for Hill and #4 ?
Why would the pelicans take on all that salary and give up the 4th overall pick you made me laugh LMFAO
Lol why would the pelicans do that
Of course they picked up the option. He played really well for them, I thought. A pretty solid bounce back. He might get starter minutes this year.
Agree, he seemed to thrive in NOLA’s energy. Played fired up with effectiveness.