Easy and not-so-easy offseason decisions for the Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: Offseason decisions

Tough Call #2

Kira Lewis Jr. (Team option)

The Pelicans will have to make a decision on the $5.7 million team option they have for Kira Lewis Jr. for the 2023-24 season.

They already exercised his option for next season, as options have to be decided a year in advance. Lewis Jr. may have become redundant after the rise of Jose Alvarado, who does many of the same things.

I’m sure the Pelicans would rather jettison Devonte’ Graham and keep both Lewis Jr. and Alvarado as a young and quick backcourt that can defend on the ball.

But Graham will be hard to move without an asset attached, so Kira Lewis Jr. may end up being the odd man out even though he has a higher ceiling.

Lewis Jr.’s $5.7 million option is a lot of scratch for a guy who has barely played and hasn’t yet shown he can be a reliable part of the rotation, so it’s possible the Pels will decline the option, let him play out this season and go from there.

New Orleans would hate to get nothing from a lottery pick, so will give Kira a chance next season, but he may have to play it out before he gets any more guaranteed money.