With the New Orleans Pelicans' offseason underway, the first big decision is who will be the team's head coach in the 2026-27 season.
After that decision is made, Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver will shift their focus to improving this roster, which finished 26-56 this past season. Options are pretty limited as they are pressed right up against the cap and are without a first-round pick in this summer's draft. Due to New Orleans' lack of cap space, the biggest way to truly improve this roster is through the trade market, and likely by using Jordan Poole’s $34+ million contract.
The obstacle that will hinder the Pelicans’ odds of straight-up flipping Poole for an upgrade is that the 26-year-old guard is coming off the worst season of his career. This past season, he averaged 13.4 points and 3.1 assists per game, while shooting an abysmal 37.2 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three.
But there is a major silver lining: the Pelicans own the rights to the Milwaukee Bucks' 2027 first-round pick. With Giannis Antetokounmpo likely on the move this summer, owning that pick is a massive trade chip that could help upgrade the roster while offloading Poole. One of the most interesting proposals involving this package would be trading Poole and the pick to Miami for Tyler Herro.
An escape route and upgrade all in one move
Teams are going to be fighting to build the best possible trade package to acquire the two-time MVP. And with the Heat being linked to the 'Greek Freak' for some time, acquiring the Bucks pick in what would be year one of the post-Giannis era would be massive. Miami already has a compelling package with Kel'el Ware and a lottery pick headlining things. If they were able to also give the Bucks their pick back next season, it would be hard for Milwaukee to say no.
For the Pelicans, Herro would address major needs. When looking at New Orleans' starting five outside the center spot, the team's only other hole is the off-guard/shooting guard spot. Herro could come to the Pelicans and slot in nicely alongside Dejounte Murray or Jeremiah Fears.
Last season, New Orleans lacked floor spacing, finishing in the bottom seven in three-pointers made, attempted, and overall percentage from deep. Herro, a career 38.2 percent three-point shooter, could come in and instantly improve that. He also would give the team another true shot creator, as outside of Murray and Trey Murphy III, New Orleans really lacks players who can break down a defender and score off the dribble. While Herro had injury struggles this past season, playing just 33 games, the year before, he was an All-Star, averaging 23.9 points per game, so if the Pels can keep him healthy, the sky's the limit.
Herro has one more year left on his deal at $33 million and is set for a big season as he looks to position himself for a big payday in the 2027 offseason. With him being an expiring deal, it keeps New Orleans’ cap sheet flexible and gives them the immediate backcourt upgrade they've been searching for.
Trading Jordan Poole this offseason isn't going to be easy, but the Pelicans have the sweetener needed to move him in the Milwaukee Bucks' 2027 first-round pick. There's not a ton of flexibility with this roster as New Orleans enters the offseason, but the Bucks' parting with Antetokounmpo will open a ton of doors for the Pelicans.
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