Pelicans Lock Down Forward with $55.5M Deal, Lakers' Trade Hopes Dashed

ESPN reporter Shams reported that Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey has signed a 3-year, $55.5 million fully guaranteed contract extension, including a trade kicker clause, running through the 2029-30 season. Agents James Dunleavy and Jordan Gertler confirmed the deal. Bey previously suffered an ACL tear while playing for the Hawks, missing the 2024-25 season, but made a strong comeback last season with the Pelicans, averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game. Lakers reporter Anthony F. Irwin noted that Bey has long been on the Lakers' acquisition list, but the Pelicans never considered trading him. The extension reflects the Pelicans' high regard for Bey.