For the most part, the New Orleans Pelicans summer has been quiet. Despite the fact that Zion Williamson did not play a single minute of basketball last season, their top priority this offseason was to sign him to a contract extension. Williamson’s future with the Pelicans is certain because of the rookie maximum extension that the organization gave him.
New Orleans has a strong core group heading into the 2022-23 season, led by Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. The Pelicans picked up steam toward the end of the regular season and even gave the Phoenix Suns a run for their money in the 2022 NBA Playoffs’ opening round before losing in six games.
For the most part, the New Orleans Pelicans’ summer has been quiet. Despite the fact that Zion Williamson did not play a single minute of basketball last season, their top priority this offseason was to sign him to a contract extension.
Williamson’s future with the Pelicans is certain
Also read: NBA fans yell at Charles Barkley, telling him to “watch your tongue,” after calling Kevin Durant an “Abject Failure” in public
Williamson’s future with the Pelicans is certain because of the rookie maximum extension that the organization gave him.
New Orleans has a strong core group heading into the 2022-23 season, led by Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum.
The Pelicans picked up steam towards the end of the regular season and even gave the Phoenix Suns a run for their money in the 2022 NBA Playoffs’ opening round before losing in six games.
This offseason, the Pelicans didn’t have many decisions to make, but the ones they did make were successful. However, the Pelicans had to make a significant move that they ultimately neglected to execute, and it might come back to haunt them later.
Let’s examine what that action was and how it might affect the Pelicans.
The nucleus of New Orleans is in place. But Jaxson Hayes, who was qualified for an extension this summer, was the one person they forgot to take into account.
Although Hayes hasn’t been particularly consistent to this point in his career, he showed a lot of promise last season, and a breakout season for him may be in the works.
For Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum, the Pelicans have made significant financial commitments. Therefore, they will have a difficult time creating a solid roster to back up these players. Most of the time, they have done so for the 2022-23 season, but continuing to do so could be challenging.
Hayes could sign a deal with the Pelicans that would be quite affordable and team-friendly
Depending on how much Hayes improves, one of the decisions could become difficult to make: an extension. Currently, Hayes could sign a deal with the Pelicans that would be quite affordable and team-friendly. Although Hayes hasn’t done much to deserve a sizable deal, it doesn’t mean he won’t in the future.
If Hayes doesn’t succeed, New Orleans can buy itself an additional year of Hayes on a team-friendly deal by revisiting this dilemma the following year.
However, Hayes had a productive season with the Pels in 2021-22, and it appears more likely that he will advance rather than stagnate or decline.
Hayes is aware of his position on the club going forward, and as a result, he might make a significant advancement that will make the Pelicans seem silly.