The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot of decisions to make in the next handful of months, including looking ahead to this summer’s free-agent class.
Coming up on the All-Star break, Brandon Ingram will have plenty of eyes on him as he represents the New Orleans Pelicans on Team Giannis as he aims to prove his original draft stock and looks for his max contract this summer.
Despite a current losing season, the future of the Pelicans looks incredibly bright and the front office should start looking towards free agency to see how we bolster this team.
Now, early February might be a little too early to look at the free agent class of 2020 but I like to have a more optimistic outlook and I have a few thoughts on my first rendition of this list.
While the team was quiet at the trading deadline (which I felt was great for the future of the team), I don’t expect them to be quiet in free agency.
There’s too much on the line to have a silent free agency period and the time to strike is now with the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs falling off a cliff.
So with this being said… Let’s get into it.
#3 Jahlil Okafor, New Orleans Pelicans, Center, UFA
I’m starting off this list with the Pelicans’ own Jahlil Okafor. I wrote last summer about how much his game improved and the team rewarded him by picking up his team option for the current season.
Well, I feel with the growth and development of Jaxson Hayes and the salary owed to Derrick Favors in the near future, retaining Jah will be beneficial.
Okafor has put decent numbers in 27 games (9 starts) for the Pelicans this season at 7.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
Not the best of numbers but being third big on the roster will have that effect on a player.
With his comfort in Alvin Gentry’s system, the knowledge gained in said system for 2 seasons in the Big Easy going forward could provide a cheaper veteran option behind the rookie Hayes moving forward into the bright Pelicans future.
#2 Davis Bertans, Washington Wizards, Small Forward/Power Forward, UFA
The Washington Wizards sharpshooter should be on a lot of team’s boards for free agency. I’m putting Davis Bertans at the number two position on this list as a need for a team looking for more three-point shooting.
A career 41.2% three-point shooting rate will be very attractive.
Once a project by the San Antonio Spurs who was traded to the Wizards in the botched Marcus Morris signing has shown his growth despite going from the winningest team in the NBA to one of the bottom teams in recent history.
He could provide excellent relief for Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson and could provide ammunition for a small ball lineup at either the three or four.
He should come at a great price for what he would provide for the New Orleans Pelicans. For me personally, I have my fingers crossed that we entertain signing him. Speaking of….
#1 Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans, Small Forward, RFA
Back up the Brinks truck up for this man and keep him in the Big Easy.
The gem of the Anthony Davis trade, getting out of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ and LeBron James’s shadows has done amazing things for Brandon Ingram.
Averaging career highs in points (24.9), 3 point percentage (40%), rebounds (6.4), assists(4.2), and steals(1) has vaulted him to an All-Star reserve for Team Giannis and one of the 44 players that could be on the 2020 Olympics Team.
Right behind Jrue Holiday as the offensive leader of the young Pelicans crew that has such a bright future should give both sides urgency in off-season contract talks.
The highest priority is keeping Ingram for the long haul as Zion and Jaxson Hayes grow and develop going into year two.
Either offering him more than any other team will offer or match him instantly. It’ll be a travesty if the team loses out on Brandon Ingram this offseason. Don’t let it happen, Griff. Don’t.