The New Orleans Pelicans made a four-year, $44 million offer to restricted free agent Tyreke Evans during their meeting on Sunday night, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks. While the Sacramento Kings have the right to match any offer sheet that Evans eventually signs when the free agency moratorium lifts on July 10, it remains to be seen if they would match such a lucrative deal.
Evans has serious interest in signing with the Pelicans, and will likely agree to sign the deal if the Kings tell him later today in their meeting in Los Angeles that they will not match. Owner Vivek Ranadive, general manager Pete D'Alessandro and coach Michael Malone are expected to take part in the meeting, and a person with knowledge of the Kings' thinking said they are considering matching the offer if he agrees to sign it. Evans is visiting with the Detroit Pistons before seeing the Kings.
Evans won the 2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, but his scoring and passing production has declined each of his four years in the NBA. Last season he averaged 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game for the Kings.
While the Pelicans were among six teams meeting with small forward Andre Iguodala today in Los Angeles, they made Evans a top priority when free agency began at 9:01 PT on Sunday night with an in-person meeting. If New Orleans lands Evans, it remains to be seen what it means for the rest of the roster that is now stacked with perimeter players.
The Pelicans have an agreement to bring Philadelphia Sixers point guard Jrue Holiday their way in a deal in which they gave up No. 6 pick Nerlens Noel (Kentucky) and a 2014 first-round pick. They also have Greivis Vasquez at the point guard spot and Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers at shooting guard, but see Evans as a combo talent who can play point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.
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