New Orleans Pelicans: Looking at 3 routes the team could take in free agency

Finding value for less

This is the more realistic option for the organization. They have young talent that could very well blossom into stardom, acquiring a player for the max—or slightly under—seems trivial.

According to Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com, here’s what David Griffin had to say regarding free agency.

"“Obviously with Zion being on board, you feel like you have a high level of elite talent so you want to surround the group with as many high-character people as you can. Relative to free agency it’s going to be about game fit, but the human element is still going to drive a huge part of it. We’re going to need culture-driver veterans.”"

Here’s the thing about bringing in additional stars: They can inadvertently impede the growth of younger core guys. If the Pels can find glue guys in free agency that also don’t require them to break the bank, they’d be in good shape. Veterans that have been there, done that, and can help Gentry in the locker room with the direction of this roster.

It might not represent the most enticing option, but it would likely benefit the organization more than the initial option.