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New Orleans Pelicans: Constructing the perfect offseason

By Aaron Kellerstrass

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 25: Vice President of basketball operations David Griffin of the New Orleans Pelicans (L) talks with general manager Trajan Langdon prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 25, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 25: Vice President of basketball operations David Griffin of the New Orleans Pelicans (L) talks with general manager Trajan Langdon prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 25, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts with Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: The perfect offseason

Step 3: Extend Zion Williamson, wait and see on Jaxson Hayes and Kira Lewis Jr.

Even though he has a troubling injury history, Zion Williamson is going to get a max extension from the New Orleans Pelicans this summer.

The only question is how much of it will be guaranteed and whether the Pelicans can get a team option worked into the final year. It will probably be a deal that looks similar to the one Joel Embiid got after missing most of his first three seasons with injury.

Related Story. The Pelicans dodged a bullet last offseason. light

The Pelicans also have to decide whether to extend Jaxson Hayes, who is under contract for $6.8 million next season. I think it would be tough to give Hayes a big extension at this point, as he still hasn’t progressed a ton and the Pelicans can’t afford to have a huge amount of cap space tied up in a guy who might be out of the rotation when Zion returns.

The Pels’ roster is about to get very expensive and they can’t afford to give out a $40 million deal to a guy who isn’t contributing. Hayes would be a restricted free agent, so the Pels  could still re-sign him if he plays well without risking a bad contract.

Same with Kira Lewis Jr. who has an option for 2023-24 that would pay him $5.7 million, a pricey contract for a guy who is coming off injury and wasn’t playing huge minutes before. Jose Alvarado has not only been much better at this point in their respective careers, but he is also cheaper, so the Pels should take a wait and see approach with Lewis Jr. before committing to him at that number.

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