Kofi Inkoom
The New Orleans Pelicans have decided to pick up their team options on Jose Alvarado and power Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on their team, according to Christian Clark of NOLA.
Alvarado has been a key backup player for the Pelicans over the past three seasons. This year, he finished sixth in the voting for the Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging 7.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 56 games.
Although his $1.99 million salary for next season is not guaranteed, he is still an important part of the Pelicans’ plans and is not at risk of being let go.
This decision means that Alvarado will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, instead of being a restricted free agent this summer. He will be able to sign a contract extension at any time during the 2024/25 season.
Robinson-Earl joined the Pelicans on a two-way contract in November after being released by the Houston Rockets. In February, his contract was upgraded to a standard deal that includes a $2.2 million team option for the 2024/25 season.
Last season, he played in 39 games, averaging 2.9 points and 1.9 assists in 8.6 minutes per game. With his team option picked up, Robinson-Earl will also become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.