Norris Cole has agreed to accept the qualifying offer from the New Orleans Pelicans, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
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Restricted free agent guard Norris Cole is set to sign a one-year, $3.03 million qualifying offer with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans had made it clear all offseason, whether it was new head coach Alvin Gentry, or star player Anthony Davis, that they wanted Cole back.
Cole was a restricted free agent, and since the Pelicans could simply match any offer he received from another team, he was always unlikely to play anywhere else. Cole can now become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2016 and sign with whatever team he pleases. Cole may think he is worth more than $3 million right now, but if he plays well this season, he will be due a major pay day next summer.
As recently as yesterday, it was believed that contract talks between Norris Cole and the New Orleans Pelicansremained at a standstill.
With the Pelicans, Cole became a crucial part to the team’s playoff run last year, as he averaged 9.9 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per contest while shooting a remarkable 37.8 percent from three-point range.
The Pelicans now have a third player proven capable of running the offense as a lead guard, joining Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans. Cole drew interest from teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Cole, 27, won two titles with the Miami Heat before being traded to New Orleans last season and playing in 28 games.
