In a move that was little more than a mere formality, the New Orleans Pelicans announced on Friday that they would be picking up the fourth-year contract options on newly-acquired guards Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart.
Both Ball and Hart were acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers along with Brandon Ingram and a dearth of first round picks in a trade that sent Anthony Davis out of New Orleans.
In his two seasons in the league, Ball has struggled with injuries, playing in just 99 games while averaging 10.0 points, 6.4 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Hart, meanwhile, has averaged 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 36.1 percent from three in 130 career games through two seasons.
For Ball, the fourth-year option will guarantee him just over $11 million after being the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Hart, meanwhile, will make $3.4 million after being selected with the 30th pick.
