The New Orleans Pelicans have been active so far during the first day of free agency. They locked up their superstar power forward Anthony Davis to a long and expensive contract worth $145 million for five years. Later, they re-signed big man Alexis Ajinca to a four-year, $20 million deal.
To fully shore up their frontline, the Pelicans have now agreed to re-sign Turkish big man Omer Asik to play alongside Anthony Davis for the next few years. Asik’s deal is for five-years, worth over $58 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. However, only $44 million of Asik's contract will be guaranteed.
Asik was acquired by the Pelicans last summer after spending two seasons with the Houston Rockets. The seven-footer was disgruntled in Houston once he lost his starting role to Dwight Howard, so he was traded to the Pelicans where he earned 76 starts and averaged 7.3 points and 9.8 rebounds.
Mainly known for his defense and rebounding, Asik complimented Davis really well this past season. The two used their length to protect the paint, pacing New Orleans to number one in shot blocking at 6.2 per game. Pelicans’ interior defense was key to their successful playoff trip, but unfortunately they were swept in the first round, a series where Asik virtually disappeared when NOLA needed him most.
Asik averaged a mere 2.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in four games during the postseason, but his stock remained high because of what he was able to accomplish during the regular season.
The Pelicans’ frontline has now been settled with Davis, Asik, and Ajinca running the show.