The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2026 offseason with hopes of improving their roster to the point where they are at least battling for a playoff spot in 2026-27.
Once a new head coach is officially appointed, the real work will start, and Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver will have plenty of tools to improve this roster. With Giannis Antetokounmpo likely out the door, the Pelicans owning the rights to the Bucks' pick next season gives them a major trade chip. On top of that, they have a non-taxpayer middle-level exception that sits in the $15 million range, as well as a big-time contract to help match salaries in trades with both Herb Jones and Jordan Poole.
Although the Pelicans have a ton of resources to improve their roster this summer, it could come at the cost of one of the team's most important pieces from this last season. DeAndre Jordan is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and while his playing future is uncertain, the door hasn't been shut on him playing another year.
The Pelicans may not have room to bring DeAndre Jordan back
Assuming the Pelicans opt to pick up Karlo Matkovic's team option, that would leave the front office with just two open roster spots heading into free agency. That is, without potentially drafting anyone or making any trades. For a team that won just 26 games last season and wants to be back in the mix next season, they may not be able to afford giving DJ a roster spot.
Last season, Jordan was incredibly valuable off the court more than on it. The 37-year-old appeared in just 12 games last season, posting averages of 4.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 65.6 percent from the field. DJ had some big games starting alongside Derik Queen in the frontcourt, showing the Pelicans front office what things could look like if DQ were paired with a true center. But bigger than what he was able to do on the court in limited appearances was the leadership and guidance he provided from the sidelines.
Jordan didn't just win the league's teammate of the year award because the league had to give someone the award—he won it because he really deserved it. All season, he was guiding and coaching up what was a very inexperienced young Pelicans team. Taking not just rookies like Queen and Jeremiah Fears under his wing, but helping players like Zion Williamson have confidence in themselves.
It's rare you see a team fire a coach after 12 games and lose 56 games in a season, and have the team morale the Pelicans had this past season, and the main reason for that was Jordan.
He acted as the glue that was helping fuse things together and keep spirits high. This is incredibly important and can still add value to the Pelicans as they look to return to the postseason next year. But with likely only 2 roster openings when free agency opens, spending one of those on a guy who at most is going to play 15 games next season doesn’t seem smart. They can try to convince him to return as a coach or advisor so he’s still in the building, but if DJ’s goal is to play another year, that is unlikely to come in New Orleans.
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