A deep look at Pelicans’ cap situation and how Anthony Davis factors in

The New Orleans Pelicans want to keep their two stars to begin the Zion Williamson era. They need to sign a difference maker to appease Davis, but lack the cap space. Is there any way to work the margins and keep the team’s core?

So we’ve settled on basic numbers. The Pelicans can effectively have $16-$19 million in cap space to add to the roster. Depending on who they sign, when, and how, there may be an exception to use if the Pelicans want to spend above the cap. But unless Davis stays, it is doubtful the Pelicans spend above the luxury tax of $132 million.

The space between the $109 million cap level and the $132 million luxury threshold is not really an extra $23 million of space. That middle class of roster exceptions exist for going over the cap to sign a team’s own players. The complexities were detailed in Bourbon Street Shots’ series on operating above the cap and using cap room.

The point is, Pelicans fans should not go spending an extra $20 million on their dream roster. Trading away Moore or Hill would create space for all but a max level star contract. Shipping out both would clear room for Kyrie Irving, but only Irving. The Pelicans will need more depth to truly contend.

Trading away Moore and Hill for smaller contracts would create space, but might require the Pelicans depart with some future draft picks. Griffin might not be willing to gamble away the Pelicans’ future so early in his tenure. However, Davis, Holiday, Zion, Randle, Wood, Jackson, Diallo, and Williams is a good foundation for only $80 million. Add a star and two role players to that mix, and the playoffs are a reality.

Sadly, trading Moore and Hill away for no salary in return is practically impossible. No other general manager is going to want to help the Pelicans that much. The Pelicans’ front office brass will have to target cheaper contracts that could provide the same on-court value. That will be an easier task, especially considering Hill’s lack of playing time and high salary.

All of these scenarios involve Davis staying and New Orleans doubling down on a commitment to contend. Each are not only going to be difficult, but would put the Pelicans in a corner. After committing to such a project, New Orleans would have no cap flexibility and one injury could ruin everything.

Considering that Davis has yet to show any sign he wants to stay in New Orleans, those other avenues to future contention need to be explored.