New Orleans Pelicans: One Free Agent to Watch in Every Western Conference First-Round Series

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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New Orleans Pelicans
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dion Waiters could give the New Orleans Pelicans veteran shooting

Dion Waiters, Shooting Guard- Los Angeles Lakers

I know many what many of you are thinking, “seriously Dion Waiters, you’re joking”, but just hear me out. To start, there aren’t many free-agents in this first round Lakers-Trail Blazers matchup to choose from that would fit the New Orleans Pelicans price range.

Secondly, there’s one situation where Waiters could hold some value for the Pelicans which would be a cheap replacement for J.J. Redick. The Pelicans are paying J.J. Redick 13 million dollars next year so if they want to do anything in free agency this offseason, they might need to get his money off the books.

Waiters has played relatively well for the Lakers in the NBA’s restart and he has shown that when he wants to he can be a good role player in the NBA.

At a very low cost, Waiters could come and fulfill Redick’s role as a complementary shooter while also giving the team a bit of added toughness on defense if the organization could keep him engaged.

To top it all off, Waiter’s bizarre behaviors and reliability concerns could play to the New Orleans Pelicans benefit as he would likely come on a minimum contract.

A deal with Dion Waiters would have very little risk and a lot of upside for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Honorable Mentions:

Jared Dudley, Foward- Los Angeles Lakers

Markieff Morris, Foward- Los Angeles Lakers