Julius Randle was one of the top talents in the free agent market waiting to receive a hefty offer to either stay with the Los Angeles Lakers or team up elsewhere. The New Orleans Pelicans were the first to strike while the iron was hot, as star Anthony Davis called Randle three times as soon as the Lakers rescinded his rights, hoping to convince him to team up in the Big Easy.
It wasn't long until Randle agreed to a two-year, $18 million contract, but that was far from the best deal he could get this early in free agency, according to William Guillory of The Athletic.
“There were more lucrative deals on the table and Randle’s contract will allow him re-enter free agency next summer if he chooses. But make no mistake, he views New Orleans as the place he wants to be long term. That’s one of the main reasons he decided to sign with them.”
Randle isn't making much of the one-and-one deal with New Orleans, rather looking into the future if his partnership with Anthony Davis flourishes, now with DeMarcus Cousins out of the picture.
“For me, this is not about this season or next,” Julius Randle said at his introductory press conference. “I want this to be home and this to be a long-term thing. I feel like this is a group where guys are young and energetic and they can grow together.”
The Pelicans could choose to sign Randle to a long-term deal if he opts out after this 2018-19 season, but they will have to address their talisman Davis first, creating a domino effect.
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