Jan 8, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans guard Brandon Boston (11) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Pelicans Make Contract Decision On Key Player Before Free Agency

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 8:39 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a spotlight on them this offseason. After failing to make the postseason in a year full of injuries, the Pelicans hired a new general manager in Joe Dumars, to help change the franchise around. In his first transaction, he traded away veterans Kelly Olynyk and CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick.

During the 2025 NBA Draft, the Pelicans walked away with two lottery selections in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, as well as second-round pick Micah Peavy. Now, with free agency set to begin in less than 24 hours, Dumars has made yet another decision for the franchise in terms of a key player from this past season.

The New Orleans Pelicans declined their team option for Brandon Boston Jr., a league source told @spotrac.

Boston will now be an unrestricted free agent.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2025

According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Pelicans have declined Brandon Boston Jr.'s $2.35 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Boston will now be an unrestricted free agent after spending one season with New Orleans.

Prior to Boston joining the Pelicans, he spent three years with the Los Angeles Clippers to begin his career, but never carved out a role. This past season with New Orleans, he averaged 10.7 points per game in 42 contests, earning 10 starts as well.

Brandon Boston Jr. bag work pic.twitter.com/6gppuwb4R9
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) February 1, 2025

While Boston did have some solid performances with the Pelicans this year, including a season-high 26 points against the Orlando Magic, he's likely to sign either a minimum deal or agree to a two-way contract if he remains in the NBA next year.

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This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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