It sounds like the Pelicans might be interested in extending the contracts of a couple of mid-season additions. Speaking on his latest Hoop Collective podcast (hat tip to RealGM), ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he’s heard that New Orleans is interested in coming to agreements with CJ McCollum and Larry Nance Jr., who were both acquired from Portland in February prior to the trade deadline.
“It sounds like CJ McCollum is having some contract extension talks with the Pelicans,” said Windhorst. “I’m not sure when he can actually sign that. I know he signed his last contract extension in 2019.”
“I believe it is next month when they can start talking about that,” said ESPN’s Andrew Lopez. “I know it’s before the season…”
“Maybe they haven’t ‘talked’, but I heard they ‘talked’, don’t tell anybody,” Windhorst replied in a hushed voice.
“I think the Pelicans are also interested in extending Larry Nance’s contract,” Windhorst added. “We’ll see if that gets done.”
McCollum, who turns 31 in September, is under contract for the next two seasons at a combined $69.13MM, while Nance, who turns 30 in January, has one year left on his deal at $9.67MM.
Here’s more from New Orleans:
- Zion Williamson offically signed his five-year, designated rookie max extension on Wednesday. At the press conference to announce the deal, he said he’s determined to show the world that he’s a winning player, Lopez relays in a story for ESPN.com. “I want to prove that I’m a winner,” Williamson said. “It’s as simple as that. I want to win with coach. As well as with my teammates. The ultimate goal is to win the championship. I feel like that’s what we’re all striving for. Like Griff (executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin) said, we’re hungry. Y’all saw this past year what the team did and I’m just excited to add to that.”
- With Williamson locked in for the next six years, the Pelicans could be ‘scary’ for the rest of the NBA, according to Christian Clark of NOLA.com. “Now it’s going to take work to get there,” head coach Willie Green said at Williamson’s press conference. “What groups play well together? How can we take advantage of different mismatches? How can we put all of our guys on the floor and give them an opportunity to be successful? That takes work. But it all comes together at some point throughout the course of the season, and when it does I think we can be a scary team.” Adding Williamson to a group that made an impressive turnaround to reach the postseason after a miserable start will certainly make the Pelicans an interesting team to follow in 2022/23.
- Guard Devonte’ Graham, whom the Pelicans acquired in a sign-and-trade last summer, was arrested for driving while impaired on Thursday morning, Clark writes in a separate piece for NOLA.com. The incident occurred in Raleigh, North Carolina, Graham’s hometown. The 27-year-old averaged 11.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG and 4.2 APG on .363/.341/.843 in 76 games (63 starts, 28.3 MPG) with New Orleans last season. He was limited to just 10 MPG in the team’s first-round playoff loss to Phoenix. Graham is under contract through ’24/25 for a total of $36.3MM, but the final year is only partially guaranteed at $2.85MM, making the guaranteed portion of his deal $26.5MM.
It’s a great time to be a basketball fan. So many teams with promise will make the next few seasons competitive.
I just wish they’d decide what they’re doing with the refereeing. It’s so inconsistent.
Absolutely! All the whistles can make a game unwatchable no matter who’s playing. They started off great last year and then all of the “stars” started crying to Daddy Silver and the refs started back with the same-old whistles.
Lovin this Pelicans team. So many great and intriguing players. Not to mention all the draft picks they still have too. Can’t wait to see what comes of all this. Even if they did nothing and just developed their team as is they have the potential to be great, I don’t even think they need to trade all their picks and assets for more. They have the luxury to just keep drafting first rounders for the next several years and see if they can find some gems.
CJ has 2 yrs left. No reason to extend at all. Even if it runs out in 2 yrs, there’s no risk whatsoever for the team. Let CJ play amd earn his next contract.
These guys have more money than most people will see in their lives!!! Just call an uber if you’re drunk!!
They could also afford to employ a full-time driver, but it’s about flexing. It’s immature, but not exactly rare. The great ones usually get it and don’t put themselves in situations like that.
He apparently barely blew above the limit, so maybe he didnt think he was drunk…probably a more poor decision to speed by that much in an area that will pull you over for very little
Pelicans should trade Graham and either a second rounder or two, or a young player like Kira Lewis for Patrick Beverly.
Beverly would be a great pick up for them.
He’s great for team spirit and culture, works extremely hard on and off the court, provides that energy which makes everyone else step their game up. He’s a leader and because he does all those little 1% ers he often brings wins with him.
Beverlys defence would be great in the backcourt next to CJ and offensively he can still knock down some threes. That way Herb Jones can slide back to the 4 spot when Zion is out.
Great point. But this is Danny Ainge we’re talking about. Pat Bev is going to cost you a late protected 1st not a 2, especially after the DUI. Not to mention they have a much better version of Graham in Clarkson already.
Pat Bev would push this Pels team into a top 6 seed.
Yeah I’d do 2 second round picks or a protected first which conveys into two seconds. As for Graham he’s only there to salary match. Utah probably wouldn’t play him. At at this stage they probably won’t be playing Beverly much either. Conley Spida Clarkson Beasley then Beverly and they have NAW Bolmaro Butler etc etc.
Little rumour I heard going round was he might get waived in which case Ainge would be smart to take picks back
Jose Alvarado is pat bev light on a minimum deal though. And younger. Just needs to improve his shot.
I’d rather they extend Hayes than Nance
Zion’s hungry alright.
what’s on the menu? trophy buck meat, some grizzly bear, top sirloin bull, or exotic raptor brisket.