Warriors won't sign Festus Ezeli to extension prior to deadline

Festus Ezeli appears destined to become a restricted free agent in 2016.

The Golden State Warriors will not sign Ezeli to a contract extension ahead of Monday's deadline, CSN's Rosalyn Gold-Onwude reports.

Failing to reach a deal, however, isn't a reflection of Ezeli's feelings towards the Warriors. As he told ESPN's Ethan Sherwood Strauss, Ezeli is looking to remain with the Pelicans for the remainder of his career.

The 26-year-old Ezeli emerged as a solid backup center last season as he helped the Warriors to a 67-win regular season and eventually the championship. Ezeli only played 11 minutes per game, but posted strong per-36 averages of 14.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and three blocks.

He profiles as a quick and strong rim protector that struggles with anything outside of putbacks and dunks on offense. Injuries, too, are an ongoing concern for Ezeli, who missed the entire 2013-14 season with a knee injury.

This season, Ezeli's numbers have bumped up to 19 minutes per game while filling in for injured starter Andrew Bogut. Ezeli holds averages of 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 47.6 percent from the field.