2018 NBA free agency: 5 best bargain deals
5. Julius Randle: 2 years, $18 million (New Orleans Pelicans)
The New Orleans Pelicans and Julius Randle wasted little time in the free agency process. Randle is coming off a breakout season with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest. Randle shot a career-high 55.8 percent from the floor with the Lakers as well.
Julius Randle is going to be a STUD in New Orleans. #NBA pic.twitter.com/T3bQZwMryv
— ProCity Hoops (@ProCityHoops) July 18, 2018
Despite all of that, Randle was destined to hit free agency and now he’s teammates with fellow Kentucky Wildcats alum, Anthony Davis. It seems like another match made in heaven for the Pelicans as it gives AD another frontcourt mate to work with. Rajon Rondo is gone too, which should change their dynamic slightly, but Elfrid Payton should serve as a solid replacement.
The addition serves as a surprise considering the path the Lakers have taken. Their own addition LeBron James (among others) shows where their overall interest level was with Randle. He didn’t waste much time finding a new home in a stacked Western Conference.