Pelicans, Saddiq Bey Explore $80 Million Extension

New Orleans must lock in rising wing before potential free agency

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The New Orleans Pelicans and forward Saddiq Bey are expected to explore a four-year, $80 million contract extension this summer. Bey, a former Villanova standout, is enjoying a strong season and the Pelicans want to secure him long-term alongside fellow wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. The two sides will likely settle on a deal in the $70-75 million range, giving Bey a salary of around $18.75 million per year.

Why it matters

Keeping Bey, Jones, and Murphy III together gives the Pelicans a formidable wing trio entering their primes. Locking in Bey now avoids the risk of him hitting unrestricted free agency in 2027, when the Pelicans would either have to re-sign him against the open market or trade him for assets before losing him for nothing.

The details

Bey is enjoying a strong season, averaging 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 steals/blocks while shooting 46.9% from the field. The Pelicans will likely open extension talks around $55-65 million over four years, while Bey's camp will seek the maximum $90 million allowable. The two sides are expected to compromise on a deal in the $70-75 million range, with the Pelicans potentially conceding a team option in the final season.

  • Bey will be extension-eligible in July 2026.
  • The Pelicans must decide on Bey's extension before the 2027 NBA Trade Deadline, when they would have to trade him or risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A rising 24-year-old forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, enjoying a strong season and eligible for a contract extension this summer.

Herb Jones

A starting wing for the Pelicans, part of the team's young core alongside Bey and Trey Murphy III.

Trey Murphy III

A starting wing for the Pelicans, part of the team's young core alongside Bey and Herb Jones.

Joe Dumars

The executive vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Troy Weaver

The general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans.

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What’s next

The Pelicans and Saddiq Bey must reach an agreement on a contract extension before the 2027 NBA Trade Deadline, when the team would have to decide whether to trade him or risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

The takeaway

Locking in Saddiq Bey on a reasonable four-year, $70-75 million extension is a crucial move for the Pelicans, as it secures a key part of their young core and avoids the risk of losing him in free agency down the line. Keeping Bey, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III together gives New Orleans a formidable wing trio entering their primes.