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According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the New Orleans Pelicans are “closing in” on a three-deal, $38 million deal with guard Josh Hart.
Restricted free agent G Josh Hart is closing in on a three-year, $38 million deal to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans, his agents Aaron Mintz, Steven Heumann and Dave Spahn of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 16, 2021
This adds to what has been an eventful summer for the New Orleans Pelicans. In addition to re-signing Hart, the Pelicans have sought to up their standing in the Western Conference by welcoming in a new head coach in Willie Green. They also added former Grizzlies big Jonas Valanciunas and former Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham as major additions, along with their Draft selections.
In re-signing Hart, the Pelicans will be reincorporating one of the NBA’s best rebounders among the backcourt. Last season, Hart averaged 9.2 points and 8.0 rebounds — his 324 defensive rebounds ranked eighth across the NBA — and a career-high 2.3 assists per game. He shot 43.9 percent from the field, 32.6 percent from 3-point range, and 77.5 percent from the charity stripe for a Pelicans team that contended for a Play-In Game for most of the 2020-21 season.