Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans has been offered a staggering contract extension by the NBA team after an incredible 2014/15 season.
The 22 year old is the face of the franchise and both parties showed their eagerness to stay together, reaching a maximum five-year contract extension (starting in the 2016/17 season) worth at least $145 million on the very first day (and in the very first minutes) of free agency.
It’s been reported that Davis and his agent Thad Foucher met with Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps and coach Alvin Gentry in Beverly Hills last night and reached an agreement shortly after midnight.
NOLA, I am here to stay! Just getting started… #6MoreYears #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/Kni8WpikEA
— Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) July 1, 2015
The 2012 number one draft pick can’t put pen to paper on the deal until July 9 when the moratorium is lifted and can technically still negotiate until October 31.
The final details of the contract won’t be clear until the extent of the NBA salary cap rise is known in 2016, but it is believed that the Pelicans presented Davis with the highest potential offer, which is 30% of the salary cap.
This rule is known as the ‘Derrick Rose’ rule where a designated player can be offered 30% of the total cap space, above 25%. The rule allows smaller teams to offer their valuable stars more than any other team.
Davis was far and away the Pelicans best player this year – averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks this season, consequently carrying New Orleans to their first playoff appearance in four years.
He was selected in the All-NBA First Team and finished fifth in the league’s MVP award – taken out by Golden State Warrior point guard Stephen Curry.
With the free agency period kicking off on July 1st, plenty of Australians have been involved in trade offers and movements as well. Matthew Dellavedova and Joe Ingles have been offered qualifying contracts, meaning their teams have the right to match any offer and retain the players.
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