FILE – Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans makes a shot as he gets between Lonnie Walker IV #1 and Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 9, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images/AFP
The New Orleans Pelicans and guard Lonzo Ball failed to reach an extension to his rookie contract, ESPN reported Monday.
Ball will become a restricted free agent following the 2020-21 season. The Pelicans have the right to match any offer that Ball receives during the offseason.
Ball was a second-round draft pick with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 but was shipped to New Orleans in a trade in 2019 to the rebuilding Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis trade.
The 23-year-old has improved his 3-point shooting in each of his three seasons, most recently connecting on a 37.5 percent clip from long range in 2019-20.
He also increased his free-throw shooting percentage from 41.7 percent to 56.6 percent over the last three seasons
Ball excels at rebounding and distributing, however, as he averages 6.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists to go along with 10.7 points per game through three seasons.