Fortunately, a lot of the Pelicans roster is below contract subsequent season.
On the prime of the store, the three-star core of Williamson ($36,725,670), Brandon Ingram ($36,016,200) and CJ McCollum ($33,333,333) might value within the low 9 figures between them, however not less than this isn’t as punitive because the cap-absorbing complete prices of the Huge Three on the Phoenix Suns. It permits them to fill out the roster with MLE-sized offers on good function gamers, reminiscent of these given to Herb Jones ($12,976,362) and Larry Nance Jr ($11,205,000), whereas additionally conserving free the draft capital to make the most of on cheaper rookie-scale contracts for essential contributors with upside reminiscent of Dyson Daniels ($6,059,520), Trey Murphy III ($5,159,854) and Jordan Hawkins ($4,525,706).
Among the many starters, solely Jonas Valanciunas’ $15,435,000 contract is expiring, and of the important thing bench gamers, solely Naji Marshall ($1,930,681, minimal wage) is ready at no cost company this summer season. Each are nonetheless extension-eligible, which means that they are often prolonged as much as and together with June 30 (the final day of the 2023-24 NBA season), however in Marshall’s case, he can be anticipated a substantial pay rise, and is likely to be higher suited to hit the market. Particularly since, as a four-year veteran, he can be an unrestricted free agent.
Past that, with few roster spots opening up, there are few instant selections to make. Consideration will flip to potential new contracts for Ingram and Murphy, each heading into their closing seasons, and eligible for veteran and rookie extensions respectively. The declining worth of McCollum’s final deal mixed with the ever-increasing wage cap creates some wiggle room for exterior additions, and if any needle-moving trades are to occur, Ingram’s contract is properly fitted to such a function.
Financially, then, the Pelicans are doing OK. The query then turns into, at what velocity do they attempt to push on.
