New Orleans Pelicans: Looking at 3 routes the team could take in free agency
By Nolan Jensen
Shed cap space, but acquire more assets
Mason Ginsberg of bourbonstreetshots.com brought forth an intriguing proposition with this freed up cap space.
My high level free agency strategy for the Pelicans' ~$30M of cap space:
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) June 23, 2019
Use $15-20M to take on salary dumps + assets & $10-15M on high IQ vets who can help on & off the court, with a focus on shooting & rim protection. If #1 also helps to accomplish #2, then that's even better.
This is a very viable option. Griffin has been no stranger to acquiring future assets since his announcement as VP of basketball operations of the New Orleans Pelicans. There’s the prospect he keeps that trend going and acquires more draft capital in return for being willing to take one an unflattering expiring contract for a team wanting to make some damage in free agency.
It isn’t the sexiest option, but it would allow the team to make even more deals in the future—perhaps when it’s time to think about contending. Year one won’t likely result in a playoff berth, the team has to get acclimated with each other and Gentry and company have to figure out a set rotation/system.
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But if Griffin continues to stockpile assets, they could make NBA-altering type of acquisitions in the near future when the time is right.