Warriors’ Festus Ezeli in line for ‘big money’ contract

Draymond Green said backup center Festus Ezeli is going to make "big money" this summer, because Ezeli wouldn't say it for himself after he sparked the Warriors to Tuesday night's victory over Portland. Ezeli will become a restricted free agent in the summer, meaning the Warriors can match any offer sheet he gets from an opposing team. The Sporting News reported Thursday that several NBA executives said Ezeli could command a contract worth $50 million over three years. Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton, of course, was named head coach of the Lakers last week and will assume his new duties after Golden State's postseason run. [...] he scored eight points, pulled down six rebounds and helped the Warriors outscore the Blazers by 13 points when he was on the court. "It took a little while, but the injury is behind me now," Ezeli said, referring to his return last month from arthroscopic knee surgery. The Warriors will chase their 80th win Saturday; they're 79-10 in the regular season and playoffs combined.