Saddiq Bey cashes In after proving doubters wrong following ACL injury

Saddiq Bey’s impressive comeback season has turned into a major payday.

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a three-year, $55.5 million contract extension with Bey, according to ESPN. The fully guaranteed agreement, which reportedly includes a trade kicker, keeps the veteran forward under contract with New Orleans through the 2029-30 season.

The extension represents another milestone in Bey’s comeback after a torn ACL wiped out his entire 2024-25 campaign. He suffered the injury while playing for the Atlanta Hawks before eventually joining the Pelicans and rebuilding his career in New Orleans.

Bey responded with arguably his best NBA season.

The 27-year-old appeared in 72 games and made 64 starts last season, averaging a career-high 17.7 points along with 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

His production became even more impressive after the All-Star break. Bey averaged 20 points per game while connecting on 40% of his 3-point attempts, providing New Orleans with another dependable scoring threat.

Pelicans make major commitment to Bey

Bey also produced some explosive individual performances.

He poured in 42 points against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 26, one of the biggest scoring nights of his career. That performance followed a 36-point showing against the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 23 and a 34-point effort against the Philadelphia 76ers eight days later.

His ability to score from the perimeter while attacking inside helped him post career highs in several categories involving two-point field goals and free throws.

Originally selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Bey has developed into an established NBA scorer during stops with Detroit, Atlanta and New Orleans.

Through 364 career games, he owns averages of 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Now, after successfully returning from a significant knee injury and producing the best scoring season of his career, Bey has secured his long-term future in New Orleans.

The Pelicans open their preseason against Oklahoma City on Oct. 6 before beginning the regular season at home against Indiana on Oct. 21.

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