New Orleans Pelicans: Chances of each Pels’ free agent returning
New Orleans Pelicans free agents: Josh Hart
Josh Hart is another Pelicans’ free agent who is going to get a raise, and in his case, it could be a substantial one.
His late-season injury could have hurt his value some, but I think there will be a fairly robust market for his services, as he has has proven himself to be a versatile defender and the best rebounding guard in the NBA.
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Signing Josh Hart is tricky, as the Pels first have to make a decision on Lonzo Ball and some other team might move on Josh Hart before that happens.
I could definitely see a team like the Detroit Pistons giving Hart an offer sheet, so the Pelicans may have to decide if they want to match a salary in the $10-18 million per year range (yes, the range is that big for Hart) or to let the heart and soul of their team walk for nothing.
It may come down to whether the Pels want to keep Lonzo Ball or Hart, and whether they think NAW is ready to take over as the starter.
The Pelicans would love to have Hart back but may not be willing or able to match a salary if some team decides to pay big bucks for him.
I think this one is 50/50 and will rely heavily on the next guy.
Chance of re-signing Josh Hart: 50 percent