As the season comes to a disappointing end, the New Orleans Pelicans’ shift their focus towards retooling their depleted roster. Here are five trades the Pelicans could consider.
At 25-39, the New Orleans Pelicans’ season is coming to an end (barring a miracle). After receiving what most experts are referring to as a “coup” in DeMarcus Cousins for Tyreke Evans, Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, a top 3 protected 2017 first round pick and unprotected second, the Pelicans suddenly find themselves 2-5, with lineups consisting of players like Reggie Williams, Hollis Thompson, Jarret Jack, and Jordan Crawford getting significant minutes.
While Alvin Gentry, Dell Demps, Anthony Davis and Cousins watch desperately as the Kentucky big men’s chemistry develops, the front office must begin looking to the future.
The Pelicans roster is depleted. There are very few ways of upgrading in the offseason. After the Pelicans inevitably resign Jrue Holiday to a max contract, they will have no financial wiggle room. The only possibilities to open up space will come from the Mid-level exception (8.3 million), the Biannual exception (3 million) and a trade exception acquired in this year’s Sacramento exchange (3.6 million, cannot attach any additional contracts), according to Michael McNamara of Bourbon Street Shots.
However, the 2017 76ers’ second round pick and the Pels’ 2018 first and second round picks are in their hands. They also have a second acquired from the Heat. With those in place, the Pels’ do have the tools to take some chances.
In Part One of the Pelican Debrief Offseason Options, we investigate four names the Pelicans should investigate.