Tyreke Evans verbally agrees to New Orleans Pelicans' four-year offer
 

New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps can now finally rest a little easier. Sacramento restricted free agent Tyreke Evans verbally agreed to the Pelicans' four-year offer that exceeds $40 million, league sources confirmed Wednesday night.

After Evans signs the offer sheet July 10, the Kings will have three days to match.

Just after the free agency negotiating period began Sunday night, Demps was the first to meet with Evans and extended a contract offer that was designed to be extremely tough for the Kings to match. Evans, 23, could earn in excess of more than $10 million per season and if he meets incentives, the deal could be worth as much as $48 million.

The Pelicans were forced into a holding pattern while waiting on Evans to make to accept or reject their offer. Demps didn't enter negotiations with other free agents while he awaited Evans' decision.

The Pelicans aggressively targeted Evans in free agency because of his versatility. Evans, 6 feet 6, 220 pounds, can play both guard positions and small forward. He is exceptional at beating defenders off the dribble on drives to the basket. Evans, who played one season at Memphis before entering the 2009 NBA draft, won the NBA's Rookie of the Year award in 2010.

If the Kings don't match, Evans will strengthen a Pelicans lineup that now includes All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday, whom they acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster draft night trade last week. It's likely the Pelicans could utilize an explosive three-guard lineup that could feature Evans, Holiday and Eric Gordon to team with franchise player Anthony Davis at forward.

Tyreke Evans verbally agrees to New Orleans Pelicans' four-year offer | NOLA.com

Vasquez and Lopez to Sacramento in a sign and trade.