Saddiq Bey just locked down a massive three-year, $55.5 million contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, a huge win after battling back from a brutal ACL tear. This isn’t just a big contract; it’s a statement, showing the Pelicans are all-in on what Bey brings to the court.
From the Sidelines to the Bank Account
Think about where Bey was just a couple of years ago. He tore his ACL late in the 2023-24 season, effectively ending his time with the Atlanta Hawks. The guy then spent the next season rehabbing, first with the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $20 million deal, but never even got to play for them. He got traded to New Orleans last summer before making his debut in D.C., and you gotta wonder what was going through his head. That’s a rollercoaster ride no player wants. But he put in the work, recovered, and showed out. He was previously slated to make $6.4 million in the upcoming season, so this new deal is a serious upgrade and a testament to his comeback. The contract even includes a trade kicker, a nice little bonus for a player who’s clearly earned it.
A Piece Worth Building Around
Last season was Bey’s first in New Orleans, and he absolutely delivered. He posted a career-high 17.7 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Even better, his shooting efficiency numbers were the best of his career. Talk about coming back strong! Look, the Pelicans still had a rough year, missing the playoffs with a 26-56 record. That’s a tough pill to swallow for any fan. But even with the team’s struggles, the 27-year-old Bey proved he’s a crucial piece, someone you can actually build around for the future. He showed he can be a consistent scoring threat and a reliable presence on the court. It wasn’t the only move New Orleans made this offseason either; they also signed former Clippers wing Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year, $16 million deal in free agency and hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach. It seems like the Pelicans are trying to lay a foundation.
So, what’s next? Bey’s got this new contract, the team’s got a fresh coach, and they’re looking to turn things around. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can keep that career-best performance going and help lift this Pelicans team in the upcoming season. It’s a big bet on Bey, and now it’s time to see it pay off on the court.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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