The New Orleans Pelicans have been involved in a number of rumors this offseason.
Every day seems to bring a new rumor about Lonzo Ball, and there has been speculation about what the Pelicans plan to do with the 10th pick in the NBA Draft.
We’ve heard about how Zion Williamson is unhappy (or at least his family), and a number of candidates have been attached the Pels as potential head coaches.
It’s been a LONG offseason already and we aren’t even to the end of July, so we can expect more of these rumors as the offseason lingers.
The latest has the Pelicans attached to free agent Kyle Lowry, with NBA insider Marc Stein breaking the news:
There is rising buzz New Orleans plans to enter the race for free agent-to-be Kyle Lowry, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 19, 2021
There will be several Lowry suitors but it's clear why the Pels, desperate to help Zion Williamson reach the playoffs, would want in.
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New Orleans Pelicans: The Kyle Lowry rumors are not a surprise
This is interesting for a number of reasons and would answer a lot of questions about how the New Orleans Pelicans plan to build around Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans are under pressure to build a winner around Zion right away, much as they were with Anthony Davis, who eventually forced his way out of the Big Easy.
Fans are already worried this could happen with Zion, and David Griffin is on the hot seat to get this offseason right and get his superstar into the playoffs.
Some feel the Pels should be patient and build a team organically around Zion, using draft assets to add impact talent and make trades while others feel like the Pelicans need to make a big splash right now in order to keep their star happy.
Kyle Lowry would definitely fit into the second category, as he is 35-years-old and ready to win now. I actually think Kyle Lowry would be the perfect short-term piece who could help propel the Pelicans to the next level without hampering them long term.