John Salmons to sign with New Orleans Pelicans

Veteran swingman John Salmons is set to join his third team in the last few weeks.

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Salmons was dealt by the Toronto Raptors to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for veteran guard Lou Williams and the 16th-overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, Lucas “Bebe” Nugiera. The move was made in order for the Hawks to clear cap space. Salmons was due $7 million for the 2014-2015, but only $1 million was guaranteed. By waiving Salmons by July 10, the Hawks would save $6 million and the officially waived him just before the deadline. The Hawks reportedly wanted to use the extra money to make a run at Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol or Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward Luol Deng, but Gasol inked a three-year, $22 million deal with the Chicago Bulls and Deng signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Miami Heat. 

Now, Salmons is close to signing a new contract of his own. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Salmons will now be joining the New Orleans Pelicans.

Salmons averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 36.3% from the floor, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 76.9% from the free throw line last season. Salmons was originally drafted with the 26th-overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. He has since played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and the Raptors. Over his career, he has averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 43.2% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from beyond the arc.