It is said that in the trade deadline Anything can always happen and in this 2023 many things happened. However, there was one that did not happen: the departure of Willy Hernangómez from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spanish player had recently requested the transfer to the franchise as anticipated The Sporting News, but finally those of Louisiana did not reach an agreement that satisfied them enough to part with the pivot. This somewhat changes the outlook for the future of Madrid, who does not have the power to decide what will come next.
During the days before the market closed, Hernangómez was on the agenda of different teams, most of the Eastern Conference, but their priorities changed as the deadline approached. The interest of franchises like Washington Wizards o Chicago Bulls it was diluted while they negotiated other potential trades that also did not go ahead, both organizations being two of the three that did not make a move. On the other hand, Milwaukee Bucks y Golden State Warriorswho also had Hernangómez on their agenda as they have learned The Sporting Newsfollowed a different line, taking over Jae Crowder y Gary Payton II.
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In the hours prior to closing, the Boston Celticsthat following “losing” the option of Jakob Poeltl They went in search of an alternative, which might be the eldest of the Hernangómez. A path that was set aside when they agreed with the Thunder to transfer Mike Muscala, a more mobile interior and with an outside shot.
In this way Willy Hernangómez will end the season in New Orleans Pelicans except surprise. A bittersweet conclusion for the Spaniard who barely counts for the franchise despite the importance he has in the locker room and his good relationship with key names like Brandon Ingram o Zion Williamson.
What does this non-movement mean for the short-term future of Spanish? It is time to analyze it.
The equipment option or renewal
From the Pelicans’ perspective, the contract Willy Hernangomez it is unbeatable. The Spaniard barely charges 2.4 million per season, that is, the minimum according to his experience. Some gains that do not correspond to the impact that this has on the field, with 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 12.7 minutes of playnumbers that rise when you have more time on the floor.
If this were not enough, the franchise is who has the power over the future of the ex of Madrid and Seville. Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 season, New Orleans has a team option with Willy worth $2.5 million. This leaves Hernangómez in a difficult situation because even though he has requested to leave, the Pelicans have the right not to listen to the request and keep him on the team.
New Orleans has until June 29 to make a decision regarding the team option, 7 days following the Draft, a night in which many operations always take place. In order for him to go out in the Draft, the Pelicans would necessarily have to accept his clause and then trade him.
Beyond potential transfers, there is the possibility of a contract extension, which would not be rejected by Hernangómez if the Pelicans presented it to him, according to sources in this medium.
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The positive thing regarding this is that the franchise already has its rights Bird complete Willy having spent three full seasons in the organization. This allows the team to renew him without regard to salary limitations, in such a way that he might aspire to a range of between 6 and 12 million year-on-year.
The question, once once more, is the priorities of the organization led by David Griffin, who wants to first extend the contract to Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. This, together with the more than possible departure of Jonas Valanciunas, makes it difficult for Willy Hernangómez to be renewed this summer.
Going out to the Free Agent market would not be a negative option in a market for substitute interiors where Dwight Powell, Nerlens Noel, Andre Drummond, Mason Plumlee or Serge Ibaka will stand out.
Willy Hernangómez’s hope for his sporting situation to change is still there and his commitment to the Pelicans is total despite the trade request. With practically two months to go before the end of the Regular Season, anything can happen and even more so in a team where injuries to key names are the norm.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
