How Much Should the New Orleans Pelicans Pay Lonzo Ball?

The New Orleans Pelicans can talk contract extension with Lonzo Ball this summer, but the question is how much should they offer?

Lonzo Ball will be entering his fourth season in 2020-21, so is eligible to start talking about a  contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans this summer.

Ball was playing his best basketball of the season before the hiatus and has positioned himself to get paid. Brandon Ingram is likely to get a max extension from the New Orleans Pelicans this summer and Lonzo may not be far behind.

According to Shams Charania on Complex’s Load Management podcast, it’s possible that the Pelicans will max both Ingram and Ball this offseason. Charania predicted:

"“I do think Lonzo Ball’s going be in extension talks this summer. As far as Brandon Ingram, he’s positioned himself as a maximum contract player. I don’t expect that those conversations are going to go that extensive.”"

It’s almost certain that the New Orleans Pelicans want to max Ingram, Ball and eventually Zion Williamson to form a “Big Three” that they can build around for years to come.

With those three in place, it won’t be difficult to build a contender, and the Pels can just keep adding talent through the draft, free agency and trades.

Lonzo has proven himself worthy of an extension, as he has improved in almost every area, especially his 3-point shooting, which is up to 38.3 percent on 6.5 attempts per game.

Lonzo was scorching before the hiatus, shooting over 41 percent on an increased number of attempts.

It’s not hard to imagine Lonzo winning the Most Improved Player next year, as he puts in the work and will have increased responsibility defensively and running the offense.

Lonzo is going to get paid, that is a certainty, but how much is he worth?