Odds each New Orleans Pelicans free agent re-signs this summer
By Willie Lutz
Kenrich Williams, Restricted Free Agent
2019-2020 Salary Figure: $1.4 million
Not one of the best-known players to outsiders but perhaps one of the more-liked guys by some of the hardcore fans, Kenrich Williams is due to hit restricted free agency after two years with the organization.
Praised in the Pelicans’ locker room and by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin, there’s a lot of organizational love for Kenny Hustle.
JJ Redick sits next to Kenrich Williams on the team plane. He's become a fan of his game.
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) November 13, 2019
"I think he’s one of the most valuable guys on the team. He has the nickname Kenny Hustle. ... But I think he’s more skilled than just Kenny Hustle."
Early in the season, there was even a lot of fan love for Williams, who started 17 games this season and appeared 35 total before missing much of the second half with a back injury.
However, the numbers aren’t pretty for Williams, who averaged 3.8 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 34.3% from the field and 26% from three-point range. The numbers, on the other hand, took a sharp decline once it became clear Williams was dealing with a lingering medical issue.
Seemingly, if he’s going to be back in New Orleans, it seems that his cap figure is going to remain particularly low. If that’s the case, it’s pretty conceivable that a high-character, high-motor player like Williams remains with the organization.
Likelihood of re-signing with the New Orleans Pelicans: 60% chance
E’Twaun Moore, Unrestricted Free Agent
2019-2020 Salary Figure: $8.7 million
Representing the city of New Orleans with honor over the past four seasons, E’Twaun Moore has been a staple of the team’s bench through thick and thin.
However, Moore turned 31-years-old in February and is certainly entering the latter stages of his prime.
Averaging 8.6 points and hitting 37.5% of his 3.1 three-point attempts per game, Moore did a nice job in his role with the New Orleans Pelicans’ second unit this season. However, those are definitely replaceable; the Pelicans could easily go with a younger and cheaper bench option.
Further, there’s going to be teams interested in adding more this summer, as the title-chasing Philadelphia 76ers were rumored to have interest in finding a deal for the perimeter-oriented scorer.
With J.J. Redick in clear command of the Pelicans’ top bench role as their sharpshooter and Nickeil Alexander-Walker waiting in the wing, it’s hard to foresee a long-term future for Moore in New Orleans.
Likelihood of re-signing with the New Orleans Pelicans: 25% chance