September 17, 2026 • 9:02 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
Saddiq Bey’s bounce-back season just got rewarded in a big way. After missing a year with a torn ACL, Bey came back tough for the New Orleans Pelicans and averaged 17.7 points plus 5.5 rebounds per game. His numbers were even more impressive when you consider many had written off the Pelicans by the end of last season.
Now, the front office is putting their money where their mouth is. New Orleans and Bey have agreed to a fully guaranteed three-year, $55.5 million extension that keeps him under contract through the summer of 2030. For context, that’s an $18.5 million average annual salary — just above the NBA’s mid-level exception — so it shows real confidence in Bey’s game and future.
According to Yahoo Sports, Bey’s agents at Excel Sports Management confirmed the deal, signalling faith on both sides of the table that Bey can be a consistent contributor moving forward.
This contract is a significant step up for Bey, who is set to make just $6.4 million this season as his old deal wraps up. The structure matters, too: it’s a tradable contract for New Orleans if they ever look to shake things up, though the extension does include a trade kicker. That means if Bey gets moved, he collects extra money, which gives him some leverage and protection if his name shows up in trade rumors down the line.
Let’s not forget the personal connection here. The Pelicans’ new general manager, Troy Weaver, actually drafted Bey out of Villanova during Weaver’s stint with the Pistons. That history likely factored into how quickly and confidently New Orleans made this extension happen.
Bey has always been a steady role player, first for the Pistons, then for the Hawks, but it’s in New Orleans where he’s truly broken out. His path wasn’t easy. After getting traded to the Pelicans in the 2025 offseason, he tore his ACL and had to rehab for a year. Last season, after starting out on the bench, he made the starting lineup just eight games in and had the best year of his career. Bey kept his shooting up, hitting 36.7 percent from deep and notching a .579 true shooting percentage, both career highs.
Bettors need to watch this spot: if Bey keeps up that level of production, New Orleans looks smart for locking him up early. With a new coach in Jamahl Mosley, there’s potential for further upside if Bey stays healthy and continues to improve on both ends of the floor.
Key Developments in Bey’s Pelicans Journey
- Bey averaged career-best numbers after a year off from injury.
- The Pelicans committed to three more years, fully guaranteed.
- Deal’s annual value sits just above the league’s mid-level exception.
- Contract has a trade kicker, making any future moves more costly for rivals.
- Strong link between Bey and Pelicans’ GM Troy Weaver from Pistons days.
Why This Matters for the Pelicans and Bettors
This isn’t just a team rewarding a comeback — it’s a calculated gamble. New Orleans has given itself a shot at roster stability with a contract that fits modern NBA flexibility. For futures bettors, this signals the front office believes in sustaining last season’s gains and raising Bey’s usage even further.
Key takeaways
- Bey’s new contract shows the Pelicans value his two-way impact and resilience.
- The extension price gives the Pelicans flexibility to trade or build around him.
- His shooting percentages hint at more upside if usage grows with a new coach.
- Coming off a serious injury, his durability next year will be under the microscope.
- With front office and coaching changes, expect questions about his exact role — but minutes and shots should be there if he performs.
- This contract makes Bey a core piece of the Pelicans’ plans in both the short-term and long-term.
- Bettors should track preseason reports on Bey’s health and chemistry with Mosley’s system.
- Don’t overlook the trade kicker: Bey has leverage, so the Pelicans are betting he’s worth it for the duration.
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