The Pelicans and guard Lonzo Ball won’t reach an agreement on a rookie scale extension before today’s deadline, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports tells Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
Ball will play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2020/21 and then will become eligible for restricted free agency during the ’21 offseason. Paul tells Wojnarowski that the two sides remain positive about their ability to move forward together despite not reaching a new contract agreement at this time.
Ball, 23, was one of several players sent from the Lakers to the Pelicans in last year’s Anthony Davis blockbuster. He enjoyed his best season as a pro in New Orleans, averaging 11.8 PPG, 7.0 APG, and 6.1 RPG on .403/.375/.566 shooting in 63 games (32.1 MPG).
The former No. 2 overall pick will share point guard duties in New Orleans this season with Eric Bledsoe, who was acquired in an offseason deal involving Jrue Holiday.
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