Report: Pelicans extend qualifying offers to Ball, Hart

The New Orleans Pelicans have extended a qualifying offer to Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, sources told ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

Both players are now restricted free agents and the Pelicans hold the right to match any offer sheet they sign.

New Orleans acquired the duo from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Anthony Davis blockbuster deal two years ago.

Ball has started 109 contests during his time in the Big Easy, averaging 13.1 points, 6.4 assists, 5.5 boards, and 1.4 steals. He's shot at least 37.5% from deep in each of the past two campaigns.

Hart has also emerged as a significant part of the Pelicans' rotation, averaging 9.7 points and 7.2 boards over 27.7 minutes per game since joining the club in 2019.