New Orleans Pelicans: The Devonte’ Graham contract looks like a steal
The more contracts get signed around the NBA, the more it looks like the New Orleans Pelicans got a steal in Devonte’ Graham.
The Pelicans currently have zero bad contracts, one of the only NBA teams that can make such a claim, which is a good thing when you are trying to build a sustainable team around Zion Williamson.
Related Story. The Pelicans are building the right type of team around Zion Williamson. light
The Pels not only have the cap space to pull off a big move before next season’s trade deadline, but they are not hampered by any long-term deals to mar their clean cap sheet.
The Pelicans are hoping that Devonte’ Graham can replace Lonzo Ball’s production, and if he does, he will be a steal, especially when compared to some of the other contracts being signed around the league.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Terry Rozier contract makes Devonte’ Graham’s look like a great bargain
Yesterday it was announced that the Charlotte Hornets signed guard Terry Rozier to a 4 year/$97 million extension to keep him with the team through the 2025-26 season.
This was somewhat surprising in that the Hornets were reportedly shopping Rozier last season, but what was even more surprising was how much he got.
Rozier is a very good player who averaged 20.4 points 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Hornets last season, but is he THAT much better than Devonte’ Graham?
Graham averaged 14.8 points, 5.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds for those same Hornets and just signed a deal for 4 years/$47.3 million. They both shot over eight 3-pointers per game last season and hit around 38 percent of them.
When you factor in Lonzo Ball’s contract, which is for four years and up to $85 million, and Duncan Robinson’s, which is 5 years/$90 million, Graham is starting to look like one of the best value contracts in the league.
I think it’s fair to say that both Rozier and Ball are better players than Graham, but are they twice as good? Would you rather have Rozier or Graham and Josh Hart?
Graham has to be looking at these deals and wondering “why not me?” and hopefully he’ll come into the season with a big chip on his shoulder, ready to prove he’s just as good as some of the guys who got mega-deals.
Next. The Pelicans have improved dramatically in this area. dark