Why the Pelicans, Sadiq Bey must explore an $80 million contract extension this summer

Zion Williamson and The fate of James Borrego they are not the only two big decisions facing the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. Saddiq Bey they will be eligible for an extension in July, but the rules cap the veteran extension’s starting salary at roughly 140% of the player’s estimated average salary, which is projected to be around $21 million per year. That structure, plus an expected eight percent annual raise, creates a natural framework for negotiations.

It also makes it an extension issue that Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver can’t afford to ignore. The decision could shape the direction of the franchise for the next few years, with or without Williamson in the fold. The former Villanova standout is enjoying a resurgent seasonaveraged 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 steals/blocks while shooting 46.9% from the field under Borrego. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have perhaps two of the best comparisons already on the books.

Pelicans pay useful compensations

The Pelicans will likely start talks around $55-65 million over four years, possibly seeking a team option for the final season to protect against a slump or injury. Bay’s camp, armed with his 2025-26 production. and with the impact of upcoming unrestricted free agency, will seek the maximum ~$90 million allowed. Each side will have pitching portfolios, but DARKO projections and most stats peg Bay as just under Trey Murphy III and something more than Herb Jones.

That should help the Pelicans push the final number to around $70-75 million over four years, picking up an option in the process. Such a deal would put Bey’s annual salary in the $18.75 million range, comfortably within the extension limit, while reflecting value as a two-way starter. If he continues to trend upward, that type of deal could look team-friendly in two seasons as the salary cap increases.

Just as important, it would give the Pelicans three starting-caliber wings with borderline All-Star potential who were signed during their prime seasons.

Providing an average annual value of $17-20 million is far more than Jones claims on taxes, to set an example of setting a floor, so neither side should let this drag on. The injury risk argument goes both ways, but it’s the hardest against Bey. He’s already missed the entire season with a torn ACL. His current contract ($6 million) runs through 2026-27. with no long-term security beyond that. Suffering a significant injury in the next 18 months without locking up guaranteed money means entering unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027 with question marks attached to his value.

Pressure on Sadiq Bey

That’s a position no player wants to deal with in their late twenties. For Dumars and Weaver, the risk scenario is equally unpleasant. If the two sides can’t reach an agreement, the Pelicans will face a tough choice. Either they deal with Bay before the 2027 NBA trade deadline to make up for the assets before they lose him for nothing, or they bet on re-signing him in free agency against the full open market. That’s not a bet a small-market organization should want to place on a player this good.

Bey is a plus defender with a legitimate offensive upside that doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. Jones, Murphy III and Bay give the Pelicans three of the best wings in the conference, and they’re all in the top. Providing the trio at a combined price that remains under control creates real long-term flexibility while keeping the exciting core intact.

Haggling over a few million dollars, watching Bay walk in free agency, or trading him for a couple of second-round picks that will probably never amount to anything is a mistake front offices make all too often during a rebuilding season. Agents were fired for losing $20 million because they wanted to fight over $2 million.

A player is limited to getting much more because of the CBA, while the franchise has historically failed in free agency. The deal provides clarity and relieves pressure ahead of what is arguably the most important offseason for all involved. In a league where mid-level wings command $15-20 million per year, locking in this reasonable rate should be a no-brainer in the Big Easy.