The New Orleans Pelicans 2017-18 season was one littered in excitement and success. With this, they are heading into the offseason with much to build upon. In regards to free-agency, there are many intriguing players around the league slated to hit the open market. NOLA should without a doubt try to be active in this area once July 1st rolls around. The only question is, who are realistic targets?
After dealing with such misfortune and adversity, New Orleans managed to overcome all odds and play their way into May, reaching the second round of the postseason for the first time in over a decade. With this, the Pelicans look to build upon the great success they found during their 2017-18 campaign. While they may not be able to get the ball rolling on their offseason agenda just yet, there’s never a bad time for a team to start planning. Plans include the likes of contract extensions, possible draft selections and, of course, free agent targets.
With NOLA seeing arguably their most successful season in franchise history, many are eager to see how the Pelicans will follow up in the 2018-19 campaign. Will they continue to make strides in the right direction and climb up the standings out in the tough Western Conference? Or will they recreate their 2015 “follow-up” season and miss the playoffs entirely? Whichever path this team ends up embarking on, what they choose to do during the offseason will surely play an important role, specifically in regards to their free-agent decisions.
This years free-agency period includes the likes of Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Paul George to name a few. While these individuals would be welcomed with open arms by New Orleans, the odds of landing one of them are mighty slim. Because of this, NOLA must look to other talents on the open market. As for who the Pelicans should target, well, we’ve got some ideas.