The Pelicans, coming off a breakthrough playoff appearance, are keeping the band together.
They’ve re-signed Omer Asik, Alexis Ajinca and Dante Cunningham.
Add Luke Babbitt to the list – with Alonzo Gee joining him in New Orleans.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
ESPN sources say Pelicans will sign Luke Babbitt to new two-year valued in $2.5 million range
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 10, 2015
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
Free agent Alonzo Gee's two-year deal with New Orleans will be worth $2.75M, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2015
Alonzo Gee's contract includes a player option on the second year of the deal, source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2015
These are only slightly above minimum contracts – or maybe even minimum deals with generous rounding. So, don’t expect either player to move the needle too much. Everything starts and ends with Anthony Davis.
But Babbitt has a chance to contribute as a stretch four in Alvin Gentry’s spread offense. That would mean more minutes for Davis at center, another plus.
Gee provides length on defense, which could help New Orleans switch more often (a la Gentry’s old team, the Warriors).
