Well, everything worked out all right for Solomon Hill. Even better than expected, actually.
The Pacers had the opportunity to pick up the team option on the fourth year of his option but declined to do so by their Nov. 2 deadline. In turn, the 25-year-old became an unrestricted free agent on July 1.By 4:15 pm ET on the first day of free agency, Hill reached agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans on a deal worth $48 million, plus the chance for another $2 million in incentives, according to multiple reports.
“At the rate in which I’m playing, I’m kind of guessing what will happen, which is not a bad thing at all,” Hill said ahead of his Nov. 2 deadline.
Not bad at all. Instead of playing his fourth season in Indy for $2.3 million, he’ll earn about $13 million per year for the next four years.
That’s why his time in Indy was obviously over.
All free-agent deals cannot be completed until after the NBA moratorium is lifted on July 7.
Thank you to the city of Indianapolis, the Pacers & the Simon family for making my dream of being an NBA player come true!
— solomon hill (@solohill) July 1, 2016
Looking forward to continuing to live my dream with the @PelicansNBA & excited for the opportunities for my family & I. #thankful #blessed
— solomon hill (@solohill) July 1, 2016
Solomon Hill averaged 4.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in his third and final season with the Pacers for $1.3 million.
Well deserved man if only y'all knew how hard dude works https://t.co/tRW837hLow
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) July 1, 2016
Congrats to my bro @solohill on signing that deal! Happy for you homie!!
— Glenn Robinson III (@GRIII) July 1, 2016
In Hill, the Pelicans are getting a steady performer and consistent defender who does the little things. His performances don’t jump out at you in person or on the box score, but he impacts winning. He can come off the bench and change momentum or spark a run.
Whether he’s worth $13 million a year is another conversation. He apparently is in the current salary cap environment, as that’s what the Pelicans have committed to pay.
#Pelicans have been enamored with Hill since college. Thought about trading up to get him but #Pacers swooped in. Got him now, but for $$$$
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) July 1, 2016