New Orleans Pelicans: Constructing the perfect offseason

New Orleans Pelicans: The perfect offseason

Step 4: Trade Devonte’ Graham and Garrett Temple

The Pels have too many small guards and the guy they’d probably like to jettison is Devonte’ Graham, who regressed as a shooter and never really found a role.

That could change once the Pels are at full strength, but it’s hard to see him getting minutes when it’s difficult to play him with either CJ McCollum or Jose Alvarado.

Garrett Temple is not going to be in the rotation next season, and even though he is a smart veteran who has provided valuable mentorship, his contract is way too expensive for that role only.

The problem is that neither of these deals will be easy to move, but they are making over $15 million combined, money the Pels could use. They also need the roster spot, so as much as it would hurt, the Pelicans might have to come off a future asset to get rid of these two.

That’s why it probably won’t happen, but if the Pels can find a way to move Graham (perhaps by moving back in the draft) it would open up a roster spot for the 8th pick, who would hopefully provide more size off the bench.

This is a pretty quiet offseason by David Griffin’s standards, so I wouldn’t be shocked if he does something major, but adding the 8th pick, making smart choices on extensions and shaking up the back end of the roster a bit could be all it takes.