Tensions are high in New Orleans as fans are fed up with the Pelicans’ never-ending lack of success.
Furthermore, pressure is on newly appointed President Joe Dumars to acquire talent to build around star Zion Williamson.
Where Are The Pelicans At Right Now?
The Pelicans have promising pieces like sharpshooter “Trigga” Trey Murphy and defensive anchor Herb Jones. However, there are obvious holes within the current roster.
Dejounte Murray’s devastating Achilles injury leaves the Pelicans without a starting point guard as he will be out for the first couple of months of next season. Even then, many players don’t return to their former selves after an Achilles tear, leaving Murray’s career in jeopardy.
As for their current options, veteran CJ McCollum does not thrive as the main playmaker, and while fan favorite Jose Alvarado is a fine player, he isn’t a starting point guard.
Three-point shooting is another major area of concern for the Pelicans. This season, they made the fourth-fewest number of threes with 986. For reference, the Boston Celtics led the league with 1,457.
They do have solid center depth, though. Second-year center Yves Missi flashed excellence last season, and Kelly Olynyk is an experienced veteran who can provide value as a backup option.
Nevertheless, with offseason decisions looming, Joe Dumars and company have an opportunity to shore up some of these deficiencies through free agency and the upcoming NBA Draft.
Here are some free agents who can help the Pelicans in their quest to return to the playoffs.
Gary Trent Jr. – G
After a season in which he shot 42% from three-point range for the Milwaukee Bucks, Trent Jr. will be looking to cash in during free agency.
In his nine-year career, Trent Jr. has proven to be a reliable perimeter scorer who provides average defense. And at just 26 years old, he is just entering his prime.
Trent Jr. also doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. This, combined with his shooting ability, will make him a highly sought-after player in free agency.
If signed, he can immediately come in and stretch the floor effectively. With Zion drawing heavy defensive attention, signing a knockdown shooter in Trent Jr. would help alleviate the Pelicans’ lack of shooting.
You can never have too much shooting in today’s NBA, and Trent Jr. can provide exactly that.
Naz Reid – F/C
While it may be a long shot, one can dream.
After helping the Minnesota Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals two years in a row, Reid is likely to decline his player option worth $15 million for the 2025-26 season.
The LSU product is coming off a career season, averaging career highs across the board. Reid’s ability to space the floor while playing exceptional interior defense makes him one of the most versatile big men in the league. Furthermore, his superb handle at 6-foot-9 only adds to his unique skill set.
Reid’s fit next to Zion would work wonders. For years, Zion has played alongside bigs who can’t stretch the floor, often clogging the paint and limiting his ability to attack the rim.
Reid would instantly change this dynamic, allowing Zion to have the space he needs to succeed.
The Timberwolves will undoubtedly do everything in their power to retain Reid, and the 25-year-old has expressed a desire to stay in Minnesota. But if they can’t succeed in doing so, the Pelicans should throw their hat into the ring for his services.
The Pelicans are hard-pressed for cap space, so a sign-and-trade would be the most likely path to acquiring him.
There have been talks about the Pelicans shaking things up this offseason, so why not take a swing at a proven local product?
Ty Jerome – G
Jerome made himself some money this past season.
The University of Virginia product got his shot to prove that he belongs in the NBA, and he didn’t disappoint. The sixth-year guard had a career season, averaging 12.5 points (52% FG, 44% 3PT, 87% FT), and 3.4 assists per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At 6-foot-5, Jerome provides versatility as he can play both guard positions and even slide up to small forward. Jerome was fourth in the NBA in 3PT% among players who took at least 3.5 triples a game.
While not the flashiest player, Jerome can be a valuable sixth man on just about any team in the league.
The Pelicans’ chances of landing Jerome are slim, but not impossible. If they were to sign him, they would most likely have to use their mid-level exception to do so.
Pelicans Have an Uncertain Future
Uncertainty surrounds the New Orleans Pelicans organization.
However, Joe Dumars has the opportunity to change the culture surrounding New Orleans basketball. By making smart moves in free agency and the draft, he can shore up the roster’s weaknesses and restore hope to a fed-up Pelicans fanbase.
Talented free agents are out there for the taking, but will the Pelicans go get them?
Leave a comment