The New Orleans Pelicans have secured one of their most productive and dependable forwards, agreeing to a three-year, $55.5 million contract extension with Saddiq Bey.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey has agreed on a three-year, $55.5 million contract extension with the franchise, plus a trade kicker, agents James Dunleavy and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sJIAVEhu6d

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 17, 2026

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the agreement Thursday. The extension carries an average value of $18.5 million per season and rewards Bey following the best statistical campaign of his NBA career.

Because Bey still has the 2026–27 season remaining on his previous contract, the extension is expected to keep the 27-year-old forward in New Orleans through the 2029–30 season.

Bey Earned His New Deal

Bey entered the 2025–26 season facing questions about his health and long-term future after missing the entire previous campaign while recovering from a torn ACL.

He answered those questions emphatically.

The 6-foot-8 forward appeared in 72 games for New Orleans, making 64 starts while averaging career highs of 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He also connected on 2.1 three-pointers per contest while producing shooting percentages of 45.1 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from three and 84.1 percent from the free-throw line.

Bey’s breakout campaign included five games with at least 30 points. His biggest performance came against the Utah Jazz, when he erupted for 42 points, seven assists and five rebounds while shooting 14-of-20 from the field and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.

That combination of availability, production and improved efficiency made Bey one of the Pelicans’ most consistent contributors during an otherwise difficult season.

A Remarkable Comeback in New Orleans

New Orleans acquired Bey from Washington in July 2025 as part of the multi-team trade that sent CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards. Jordan Poole and the draft rights to Micah Peavy also came to the Pelicans in that transaction.

At the time, Bey was viewed as a potentially valuable addition whose impact would depend largely on how well he recovered from his knee injury. He had never appeared in a regular-season game for Washington after signing a three-year contract with the Wizards in 2024.

Bey did more than simply return to the court. He became a dependable starter, floor spacer and secondary scoring option for New Orleans.

His ability to play either forward position provided the Pelicans with lineup flexibility. Bey could space the floor alongside Zion Williamson, attack closeouts, rebound and punish defenses that devoted too much attention to New Orleans’ primary scorers.

Why the Contract Makes Sense

An average salary of $18.5 million represents a significant raise, but it is also a reasonable price for a productive starting-caliber wing entering his prime.

Players with Bey’s combination of size, shooting and scoring versatility remain valuable throughout the NBA. He does not have to dominate the basketball to affect a game, making him easier to pair with Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray and the rest of New Orleans’ rotation.

The three-year length also gives the Pelicans a measure of protection. New Orleans avoided making a four- or five-year commitment while retaining Bey through what should be the prime seasons of his career.

There is some risk involved. Bey is receiving the extension after one career-best season, and the Pelicans will need him to maintain his improved shooting efficiency. However, his durability during the 2025–26 campaign and successful recovery from ACL surgery provided the organization with enough evidence to make a long-term investment.

Competition Should Strengthen the Pelicans’ Wing Rotation

Bey’s extension does not eliminate competition for playing time.

The Pelicans added Bennedict Mathurin during the offseason, creating another scoring option on the wing. Bey and Mathurin could compete for a starting position, but New Orleans should have enough minutes and offensive opportunities for both players.

Bey’s shooting and off-ball production may make him the cleaner fit with the starting lineup, while Mathurin could provide an aggressive scoring presence with the second unit. The Pelicans can also use both together in larger lineups when they need additional offense.

Regardless of who starts, Bey’s extension gives New Orleans another proven player under team control.

Pelicans Reward Production and Stability

After years of roster turnover and injury concerns, the Pelicans are showing that they value players who produce, remain available and fit around their foundational pieces.

Bey arrived in New Orleans as a calculated gamble following a serious knee injury. One year later, he has transformed himself into a significant part of the franchise’s future.

The Pelicans still have major questions to answer before returning to Western Conference contention, but retaining a productive 27-year-old wing on a manageable three-year extension is a sensible step.

Saddiq Bey earned his new contract. Now the challenge is helping turn his individual breakthrough into more victories for New Orleans.

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Sources

RotoWire: Saddiq Bey agrees to three-year, $55.5 million extension

New Orleans Pelicans: Bey’s 42-point performance against Utah

Reuters: Pelicans acquire Saddiq Bey in Washington trade