The New Orleans Pelicans continue the 2015 offseason theme of keeping players in house, resigning center Omer Asik to a 5 year, $58 million contract, with $44 million guaranteed.

As first reported by The Advocate's Scott Kuschner, the final year of Asik's deal is not guaranteed. Essentially, the Pelicans have signed Asik to a 4 year, $44 million deal. If he is not traded and remains on the roster for the next 4 years, New Orleans will have the option to keep Asik for an extra year at around $13 or $14 million when he'll be 34 years old, or they can opt out.

Asik turns 29 on Saturday, and now has reason to throw himself a party. Asik's deal will draw criticism from some, but the Pelicans organization has consistently noted their desire to keep Asik around, pairing him next to superstar Anthony Davis.

Asik struggles on the offense end, particularly with his hands, but is a solid rebounder and good defender who can bang in the paint with opponents big men.

He came to the Pelicans last summer in a trade with the Houston Rockets in exchange for New Orleans 2015 first round pick which turned out to be 18th overall.

After announcing the contract extension of Anthony Davis last night, and news on Wednesday that backup center Alexis Ajinca agreed to a 4 year, $20.2 million contract to remain in New Orleans, the Pelicans are now guaranteed to be over the cap. They can still add a free agent with the MLE (Mid-Level Exception) at $5.5 million and stay below the luxury tax.

 

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