With free agency officially opening tomorrow, Monday, June 30th, at 5 p.m. CT, the Pelicans have a significant hole they can look to fill. After drafting Derik Queen No. 13 in the 2025 NBA Draft, New Orleans has a massive need for rim protection and reliability on the defensive side coming from the center spot.
Fortunately for the Pelicans, they'll have $5.7 million coming from the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which they can use to help fill this void in their big rotation. However, with this money, the Pels can't just look for any defensive big man; they need someone who can also be a veteran voice for Queen and Yves Missi. They need someone who can help guide them to success in the NBA and provide leadership and wisdom.
New Orleans' ideal target is anyone who has appeared in the playoffs multiple times, has won a championship, defends at a high level, and is between 30 and 38 years old. Luckily for Joe Dumars and the Pelicans, there are a ton of free agents that fit this mold.
The dream scenario
Brook Lopez would be a dream signing for the Pelicans. At 37 years old, he is still one of the league's best rim-protecting big men. He stands 7'1" and would bring 17 years of experience, as he has played a ton of roles in his NBA career.
With the Nets, he was the go-to guy as an all-star and is the franchise's all-time leading scorer. In LA he modelled his game to be a stretch five, which was something that paid off for him when he joined the Bucks. As in Milwaukee, he was a two-way floor-spacing monster who was a key contributor to the Bucks' NBA Finals win in 2021.
Now, even at his older age, Lopez is still one of the league's best spacing threats and rim deterrents. He could come in and add some spacing for the Pels, who ranked towards the bottom of the NBA in shooting last season, as well as some championship experience.
The problem with signing Brook is that he may be too expensive for the Pelicans, as he could be expecting a salary of anywhere from $15 to $20 million per season. Additionally, reports from Jake Fischer indicate that the Lakers are gearing up to sign Lopez, which is not an encouraging sign. While the idea of signing Brook is a fun one, it's also very unlikely.
The realistic choice
Clint Capela would be an excellent signing for the Pelicans, as he fits the mold of an experienced playoff vet who brings rim protection while thriving in the pick and roll. Missi was often compared to Capela early in his career, even as a draft prospect, so bringing him to New Orleans to be a part of Missi's development would be huge.
Outside of just developing, Capela is still a really steady big; he averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and one block per game last season. The issue with signing Clint is convincing him that some nights he may be the third-string center, when other teams, such as the Lakers, Grizzlies, and Hornets, could offer him a guaranteed starting role.
He could also be just outside the Pelicans' price range, as again they only have $5.7 million in spending money.
The safe bet
Kevon Looney would be a terrific addition and is very much in the cards for the Pelicans. While Looney is somehow still only 29 years old, he is a 10-year pro and a 3-time NBA champion. Looney isn't a monster athlete or a flash player, but for his entire career, he has consistently gotten the job done. Providing the Warriors with whatever they needed, whether that's as a starter or a bench player.
He is a true professional who consistently gives his all and has been a reliable presence at the rim on both ends during his time with the Warriors. This type of professionalism is something that would benefit both Queen and Missi, as having his presence around them could really show them what it means to be an NBA player.
Bringing in Looney would also allow him to reunite with Jordan Poole, who he won a championship with in 2022. Having the championship pedigree of both these guys could help build a winning culture within the Pelicans' core. Looney is probably the most likely option, as his asking price would fit exactly what the Pelicans can offer.
Although signing Capela or Lopez would be great, I feel Looney may be the best option. He is a true pro and wouldn't be looking to take minutes away from the young guys while still being a great leader for them.