The New Orleans Pelicans just finished Summer League and will now head into the dog days of the offseason with a roster that looks ready to compete next season.
The Pelicans have 15 players under contract already, so if they are going to change their roster, it is likely to happen via trade.
There have been some big names floated in trade rumors, but it doesn’t seem realistic for the Pelicans to make a move for another star, even though they probably have the young players and draft assets to get it done.
It’s far more likely that they are involved in some minor trades or as a third team in a big trade, but the Pelicans could also go into next season with the roster that they have right now.
Are the New Orleans Pelicans done dealing?
When you look at the Pelicans’ roster their isn’t a glaring positional weakness, as they are stacked and versatile at forward and have a strong big-man rotation.
They also have a glut of guards, and if there is going to be a trade, this will probably be the group that it comes from.
The name that immediately springs to mind is Devonte’ Graham, who is on a reasonable contract but is coming off a down season and may find it hard to get minutes in the Pelicans’ rotation. The Pelicans also have smaller guards in Jose Alvarado and Kira Lewis Jr., so may want more variety off the bench, though Graham is a better 3-point shooter.
Jaxson Hayes and Naji Marshall are guys who would likely interest other teams and may have diminishing roles with the Pelicans next season.
If you had to pinpoint one roster weakness it would be 3-point shooting, so if the Pels could flip one or more of the players above for a consistent 3-point threat, that is the type of deal New Orleans would probably consider.
It’s not likely to be a blockbuster, but I don’t think the New Orleans Pelicans are done dealing just yet and will make some minor adjustments to their roster before the start of next season.