Saddiq Bey’s remarkable comeback season has earned him long-term security in New Orleans. The Pelicans forward has agreed to a fully guaranteed three-year, $55.5 million contract extension that includes a trade kicker and runs through the 2029-30 campaign.
## A Career Year After Serious Injury
Bey’s new deal comes after he averaged career-best numbers of 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game last season, shooting 45.1% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range. Those numbers are especially notable given that Bey missed the entire 2024-25 season recovering from a torn ACL before joining New Orleans.
## The Road Back
Originally the 19th overall pick by Detroit in the 2020 draft and an All-Rookie First Team selection, Bey was later traded to Atlanta before his career-threatening injury. Signing with New Orleans for the 2025-26 season represented a fresh start, and he answered questions about his recovery in resounding fashion.
## Where He Ranks on the Roster
Only Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III averaged more points per game for New Orleans last season than Bey, underlining just how significant his contribution was to a Pelicans offense still finding its identity.
## Why New Orleans Made This Move
At 27 years old and now with a full season of chemistry alongside his new teammates, the Pelicans front office is betting that Bey’s improvement curve continues rather than plateaus, particularly as the team looks to push toward playoff contention in a competitive Western Conference.
## The Financial Picture
According to Spotrac, New Orleans carries $217.1 million in salary cap allocations for the 2026-27 season, and locking in Bey at a below-market rate relative to his production gives the front office continued flexibility to build around their core.
## The Bottom Line
Few players have completed as impressive a comeback story in recent seasons as Bey, turning a devastating ACL injury into a career-best season and a well-deserved long-term contract in the span of just one year.