The New Orleans Pelicans have inked an extension with forward Saddiq Bey.
The New Orleans Pelicans just pulled off one of the biggest goals of the offseason in securing an extension for breakout star forward Saddiq Bey. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Bey and the Pelicans have inked a three-year deal worth $55.5 million.
This deal also comes with a trade kicker, which means he'll get a bonus if he gets moved. It should really be viewed as a more freeing alternative to a no-trade clause. This is better for New Orleans, as it keeps a deal open should they end up blowing up their core.
An AAV of over $18 million for Bey is something that will raise eyebrows around the league, but that's because they weren't watching Pelicans basketball. This is a price tag that the forward more than earned last season.
New Orleans got Bey as a throw-in on the deal that was centered around Jordan Poole with the Washington Wizards, but he has been the only reason that trade hasn't been a complete nightmare.
Bey missed all of the 2024/2025 season due to a torn ACL from the end of the previous year. Modern medicine is incredible, and players do come back from that better nowadays, but Bey actually looked to be the best he has been in his entire career.
The wing posted 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game on 45.1/36.7/84.1 shooting splits. There were multiple times throughout the season when he was a savior of the offense and one of the only people providing anything on that end.
Bey put up 42 points for his season high last year. He scored at least 30 on five separate occasions. This is someone who has also put up 51 in the NBA. There are no questions about his ability to put the ball in the basket, but he isn't a star player, so the reaction to the deal might receive some negative attention.
Really, this is something that the front office needed to do. Bey is as reliable a role player as they could get. He plays an efficient, aggressive game that should be timeless. He rarely turns the ball over. This locker room loves what he brings, and this coaching staff will likely feel the same.
This is about Joe Dumars and Co. rewarding someone who truly deserves it, while really just paying him what people who make as much of an impact as Bey does often make. Other wings making similar money are Naji Marshall and Aaron Nesmith. PJ Washington is making $22.2 million.
After making just about $6.5 million last season, this was a great success. He signed a prove-it deal with the Wizards and ended up proving it for a different team.
