Rumors

The pain of Murray's limited availability, meanwhile, was only exacerbated by the rise of Dyson Daniels in Atlanta after the Pelicans included him in the Murray deal. As a Hawk, Daniels has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. And his rise has been a source of tension in the organization this season, with Green facing questions internally about his perceived past preferences for playing pesky guard Jose Alvarado rather than Daniels. Yet it must be noted that there were whispers about Green being in danger during the Pelicans' brutal 5-29 start ... especially after New Orleans had brought in former Hornets head coach James Borrego as Green's associate head coach. But he survived them. Green has been known known to hold significant support from Pelicans owner Gayle Benson.

marcstein.substack.com

Zion Williamson said he’d sign a contract extension if the Pelicans offer this offseason: “Of course, I couldn’t sign it fast enough.” Pelicans lead executive David Griffin said not so fast. Brian Windhorst of ESPN: From what I have been told, the Pelicans, at this point, are not willing to offer a full five-year guaranteed deal. And a lot of it is flowing down from ownership. Gayle Benson, the owner, is also the owner of the New Orleans Saints. And I have been told they’re going to take a football-style, Saints-style mentality with this contract negotiation. They will offer him a huge contract but will not guarantee all of it.

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