The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2026-27 season with a pool of talent that could create incredible buying opportunities if they get off to a strong start. With a new head coach in place and a returning roster hungry to prove the NBA world wrong, the Pelicans very well could surprise many people, myself included. Let's say the Pelicans are floating around .500 around the trade deadline; flexing Jordan Poole’s $34-plus million contract for a win-now veteran that may be a better fit could be an option.
A name that fits that mold of player is Jrue Holiday, who the Pelicans just got some positive news on if they do decide to pursue a reunion with the franchise legend. Jake Fischer reported on a Bleacher Report live stream that Portland plans on holding onto Jrue Holiday and will not be buying him out heading into the 2026-27 season.
Obviously, from an immediate standpoint, it sounds like Holiday, who is 36 years old, wants to end his career in Portland and avoid uprooting his family again. However, the NBA season always takes turns no one expects, and if Portland is disappointing or New Orleans is buying at the deadline, Poole’s expiring deal could be of interest.
The door is still open for Holiday to return to New Orleans
When looking at the Pelicans roster, the need for someone to get stops from the point of attack and be a connector on offense is high. Outside of Herb Jones, the team doesn’t really have someone who can play that role, and Holiday is exactly that. Despite him entering the twilight of his career last season, he was phenomenal. In 53 appearances, Holiday averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 37.8 percent from three.
Imagine inserting that production alongside Dejounte Murray in the backcourt, with Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson in the forward spots and Yves Missi at the five. Sounds like a great five and would still leave Herb Jones, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen all off the bench.
Throughout the offseason, I pitched the idea of the Pelicans going out and bringing back Holiday, who spent seven years with the organization. While that idea might be dead for now, as with other potential targets, once the season tips off and teams are no longer focused on roster crunches, the trade market will heat back up. Which is a massive positive for this team, because for a while it seemed like Holiday would be bought out and sign with a contending team like the 76ers.Â
But now he’s staying put, leaving the door open for a reunion with the Pelicans down the road, depending on what route their season takes.
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