New Orleans Pelicans reportedly failed to lock point guard Lonzo Ball on a long-term extension. This will result in Ball becoming a restricted free agent next offseason.

Ball was eligible to receive a rookie extension from the Pelicans ahead of the 2020/21 NBA season, but the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement according to the player’s agent Rich Paul. Still, Paul told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that both parties “remain positive” when it comes to Ball’s future in New Orleans.

If Ball decides to explore free agency next summer and agrees to terms with another team, the Pelicans will have the right to match any offer and keep the 23-year-old player on their roster.

It makes sense for New Orleans Pelicans not to make a strong push for a new deal with Lonzo Ball, considering that the verdict is still out on the former UCLA star. While Ball showed great court vision and passing ability during his time in the NBA, he still has shooting struggles and didn’t show that he can be a difference-maker.

Ball, who was the No.2 pick in 2017, joined the Pelicans as part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to LA Lakers last year. He finished his first season in New Orleans by averaging 11.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 63 games but hit only 40.3 percent from the field and made just 56.6 percent of his free throw attempts.

The post Lonzo Ball and Pelicans Fail to Agree on an Extension appeared first on toppoptoday.com.

New Orleans Pelicans reportedly failed to lock point guard Lonzo Ball on a long-term extension. This will result in Ball becoming a restricted free agent next offseason.

Ball was eligible to receive a rookie extension from the Pelicans ahead of the 2020/21 NBA season, but the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement according to the player’s agent Rich Paul. Still, Paul told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that both parties “remain positive” when it comes to Ball’s future in New Orleans.

If Ball decides to explore free agency next summer and agrees to terms with another team, the Pelicans will have the right to match any offer and keep the 23-year-old player on their roster.

It makes sense for New Orleans Pelicans not to make a strong push for a new deal with Lonzo Ball, considering that the verdict is still out on the former UCLA star. While Ball showed great court vision and passing ability during his time in the NBA, he still has shooting struggles and didn’t show that he can be a difference-maker.

Ball, who was the No.2 pick in 2017, joined the Pelicans as part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis to LA Lakers last year. He finished his first season in New Orleans by averaging 11.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 63 games but hit only 40.3 percent from the field and made just 56.6 percent of his free throw attempts.

The post Lonzo Ball and Pelicans Fail to Agree on an Extension appeared first on toppoptoday.com.