Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Fred VanVleet fits great if cash works out

By Willie Lutz

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 22: Fred Van Vleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 22, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 22: Fred Van Vleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 22, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Pelicans will likely be trying to add some firepower in the offseason and Fred VanVleet would certainly bring that to the Big Easy.

While their 2019-2020 season is currently at an impasse, the New Orleans Pelicans’ front office is, in all likelihood, starting to turn their attention to next year’s campaign. Sure, there’s still plenty of questions to be answered, but they’re a team in position to add.

Due up for a lofty deal this offseason after a couple of tremendous seasons and a key role in the title run for the Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet is a guy who could be incredibly valuable in New Orleans.

The Pelicans do have some interesting guard talent on their roster, which could prevent the addition of another guard unless they move someone unexpectedly during the offseason.

With Lonzo Ball playing the leading point role, Jrue Holiday finding comfort as an off-ball shooting guard, J.J. Redick playing well off the bench, plus young prospects in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Frank Jackson, and Didi Louzada in development, the Pelicans have a nice stable of guard talent.

Didi Louzada could play big future role for New Orleans Pelicans. light. Hot

What could make VanVleet compelling for New Orleans is an even greater shift towards a small-ball approach, as many expect Zion Williamson to shift down to the team’s primary center.

Currently, in the fourth year of his NBA career, he’s in the midst of his best season and has started in 48-of-48 appearances with the Raptors after starting just 28-of-117 games (all starts in the 2018-2019 season) in his first three years.

Responding well to his augmented role, VanVleet is averaging 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals while shooting 38.8% from three on 7 attempts, all while banking 35.8 minutes per contest.

VanVleet is a heck of a two-way player and would help give this New Orleans Pelicans team a little more identity on both ends of the floor.

Owning a 106 defensive rating and 2.2% steal rate (in the 92nd percentile among combo guards per Cleaning the Glass), VanVleet will help any team cover the perimeter with a little extra intensity.

Perhaps more importantly, VanVleet has the potential to be another high-character addition for the New Orleans Pelicans, something David Griffin has stated as a priority for the team as it continues to build towards a future powerhouse.

Going undrafted after four impressive years with the Witchita State Shockers and working his way onto the Raptors roster in the Summer League, the 26-year-old Fred VanVleet has proven that his hard work will drive him to continued success in the NBA.

While Fred VanVleet would be an awesome fit for the New Orleans Pelicans, the matter of cap space will ultimately play a huge role.

Heading into the offseason, it’s always fun to project which players will go where on paper, but cap space ultimately plays the biggest role in any team’s ability to add new talent.

On the side of the Raptors, there’s certainly going to be an interest in bringing back VanVleet unless Masai Ujiri and company are setting their sails towards a rebuild in the offseason.

It does seem somewhat likely, however, that if the Raptors aren’t the ones to put a deal together for VanVleet, one of the few teams with cap space in the summer of 2020 will contract the guard a hefty contract.

Teams that can offer max money to a free agent this summer include the New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons.

The New Orleans Pelicans will have the money to make this sort of deal in theory, as the team with the fifth-most cap room headed into the summer, but they’re likely to hand Brandon Ingram a max extension to start free agency.

However, if the team decides to move around money in another package this offseason, say a contending team throws the Pelicans a massive deal for Jrue Holiday, there’s going to be a little more flexibility in their summer cap room.

It might take a little creativity at the end of David Griffin and the New Orleans Pelicans front office, but VanVleet is certainly someone who could bolster the team’s chances to compete in the playoffs next season and into the future.

New Orleans Pelicans: 6 possible free agent fits. dark. Next

While they’re far from being able to throw around big money, the Pelicans should at least kick the tires on a Fred VanVleet contract this summer, as long as it doesn’t hamper their ability to retain their current core of exciting young talent.