Philadelphia enters Wednesday’s season opener in New Orleans dealing with significant uncertainty related to the future of one of its most prominent players, Ben Simmons. Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ starting center just gained a great deal of certainty about his next three years.
According to a Wednesday report by ESPN.com’s Andrew Lopez, New Orleans offseason trade addition Jonas Valanciunas has signed a two-year contract extension with the Pelicans. Prior to the extension, the 6-foot-11 pivot was signed only through this season. Valanciunas is pleased to know that his future beyond 2021-22 will be in the Crescent City, instead of potentially becoming a free agent next summer.