New Orleans Pelicans: Chances of each Pels’ free agent returning

New Orleans Pelicans free agents: Willy Hernangomez

Willy Hernangomez took a calculated risk when he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans for the veteran’s minimum.

He was third in line for minutes and it looked like a waste of a roster spot early in the season. But poor play from Jaxson Hayes and injuries to Steven Adams thrust Hernangomez into a more prominent role and he made the most of it.

He has averaged 7.5 points and seven rebounds per game in a backup role and has proven himself to be a reliable big man who can defend, rebound and score around the hoop. He turned out to be a great value signing for the New Orleans Pelicans.

However, Hernangomez might have played well enough to price himself out of the “third center” tier and into a primary backup’s contract.

If so, the Pelicans might not be able to pay him as they already have too much money tied up in the center position. The improvement of Jaxson Hayes and the contract of Steven Adams have made re-signing Hernagomez problematic.

If the Pels can get him on another veteran’s minimum deal, then they will jump at it, but something tells me someone is going to offer him a contract more in line with a backup center, so he’ll be priced out of the Pels’ range.

Chance of re-signing Willy Hernangomez: 25 percent