Early in the 2025-26 season, it was clear the New Orleans Pelicans' roster had one glaring flaw that would cap their ceiling. Nightly, the Pels were dominated from three-point range, as a lack of attempts and missed shots piled up all season. New Orleans finished the season in the bottom seven in attempts, makes, and overall three-point percentage. As a result, one of the front office's top priorities this offseason is to address the need for perimeter creation.
With the three-ball being more valuable than ever, players who can be consistent threats from beyond the arc come at a premium. For a Pelicans team pressed up against the cap, this can be problematic.
Thankfully, they have a perfect buy-low swing who is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason in Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter. Over his eight-year NBA career, Huerter has built a reputation as an absolute dead-eye from three-point range, but he is in the midst of a down shooting season. In the 69 regular-season games Huerter has played in this season, he is shooting 30.8 percent from three on 4.7 attempts per game.
Chicago traded Huerter to Detroit at the trade deadline, as the Pistons planned to buy low and add needed spacing, but even a change of scenery hasn't helped him break out of his shooting slump. With Huerter still in a slump, his days in Detroit are likely numbered, opening the door for the Pelicans to sign him this offseason.
Huerter’s down year could benefit the Pelicans
To some, seeing Huerter struggle to regain his shooting touch this season, even after getting a change of scenery, may be a reason to steer clear, but his track record suggests otherwise. If you remove his regular-season stats from this season, Huerter is a career 37.5 percent three-point shooter on 5.7 attempts in 482 games. He's also had one season where he shot 40.2 percent from the perimeter and four seasons in which he shot 38 percent or higher.
With Huerter having such a down year, his price tag is bound to take a hit, and given his production as a shooter over the course of his career, he would be a great upside swing for New Orleans. He's comfortable off the catch, off the dribble, and even offers value as a secondary playmaker with a career assist average of 2.9 per game.
The Pelicans are set in the wing department heading into the 2026 offseason with Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones all likely to be retained. Where this group needs help is in the backcourt, as adding a reliable three-point threat to pair alongside Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears could help really open up the Pelicans' offense.
It's rare to get a high-quality three-point shooter for cheap in the modern NBA, and this summer presents New Orleans with a great chance to do so with Kevin Huerter. Although he has struggled to find a rhythm this season, his history as a perimeter shot creator makes him a perfect target for a Pelicans front office that is looking to ball on a budget in free agency.
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