The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads after being swept by the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. Jonas Valanciunas heads toward free agency and re-signing him will put the Pels near or over the luxury tax. New Orleans has never paid it, and this roster has made the playoffs just twice in six years and hasn’t won a series. Changes must be made.
Pelicans lead executive David Griffin made their desire to upgrade this offseason clear in his end of season press conference. They plan to be aggressive in doing it. It could mean adding pieces around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum or making a blockbuster trade. Anything should be on the table for New Orleans.
What if Griffin decides to trade Ingram? He is not getting a star in return for McCollum, but he might for BI. There are not many 6’8 guys with his scoring and playmaking chops. Ingram has just one year left on his deal, so declining an extension could put him on the market. The Pelicans must ponder these deals as they look to improve their talent and roster fit.
5. Thunder cash in some of their assets
Oklahoma City demolished New Orleans in the opening round of the playoffs, but the Thunder are still primed to make a blockbuster move. They have cap space and are already contenders. Does OKC take the shot at adding the piece that puts them over the top?
The Thunder have more draft picks than they can put on their roster, so expect moves to come. Sam Presti may save their assets for a legit superstar but could be convinced to take a fringe All-Star like Ingram. It is another marquee scorer and adds some height to an undersized roster.
New Orleans needs a point guard and getting a couple of first-round draft picks could give them enough to trade for a superstar when one becomes available. Donovan Mitchell may be the top player on the board this offseason, but the new second tax apron will shake things up. Could Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, or Devin Booker be available in future summers?
Oklahoma City is the one team willing to overpay because they have immense draft capital. This could set the New Orleans Pelicans up for a blockbuster trade that makes Zion Williamson their number two and gives the franchise a chance at title contention.
4. Rockets get their star
Houston wants to add a star talent to their roster. They took a step forward in year one with Ime Udoka, but need an upgrade to make the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference. The Rockets tried to trade for Mikal Bridges before the deadline and were rumored to be offering Jalen Green and draft picks to make it happen.
Houston improved after Alperen Sengun’s season-ending injury. It may be either Sengun or Green as both players get more expensive. If the Rockets pick their big man, several teams will have interest in their young guard. New Orleans offering Brandon Ingram may just get this trade done.
The Pels get a potential star, a starting-caliber center, and two first-round picks. Yes, Adams played one year in New Orleans in 2021 and was not the ideal fit. New Orleans can look to trade him when they package up their draft capital in a subsequent move.
This is a risky trade. The former number two overall pick would have to blossom in the Big Easy. He is only 22 years old and showed signs of improvement. Green may never be a star, but could become a crucial piece who helps his team win.
The Pelicans likely want a current star. The trade is even better if he fits a need, which could have New Orleans calling Atlanta.
3. Pels get a star guard from the Hawks
Atlanta lost in the Play-In Tournament and desperately needs to shake up their roster. Their star backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray is not working. The Hawks must trade one this offseason.
They shopped Murray before the deadline, but could not find a suitable trade. Atlanta paid a hefty price and is unlikely to get anywhere near that in return. Could that mean trading Ice Trae? The rumors are heating up, and Young could be one of the best players available this summer.
Could New Orleans get involved in the rare All-Star swap? The Hawks would welcome adding some size and putting the ball in Murray’s hands more. Ingram is a capable playmaker and shot-creator, but would not dominate the ball like Trae Young.
The Pelicans would benefit from adding an elite playmaker and floor spacer. Young could help open the paint for Zion Williamson to attack and get Trey Murphy more involved. New Orleans would have a small backcourt if they kept C.J. McCollum, but this could be the first in a series of moves to reshape their roster.
The New Orleans Pelicans may decide Young’s shortcomings are too much to overcome, but their need for a point guard and shot-creator still exists.
2. New Orleans buys low on former All-Star
The Pelicans may shift their sights to Dejounte Murray. He will be cheaper and offer more defense. What version of the 27-year-old would New Orleans get? Murray was an All-Star in 2022 as he averaged over 20 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds per game while leading the league in steals. That was his final year in San Antonio. His game on both ends of the floor took a step backward in Atlanta.
The Pelicans could put him back on the ball and in a more comfortable role defensively. New Orleans has Herb Jones and Trey Murphy capable of guarding multiple positions. Murray would not have to be their number one defender, and there would be freedom to adjust the matchups.
The Hawks want to trim their payroll and could offer New Orleans another necessary piece. This may be the ideal trade as Atlanta gets a star and the Pelicans get pieces to round out their roster.
New Orleans needs a starting center and would love to upgrade their rim protection. Clint Capela is a strong roll man and could offer the Pelicans a skill set they have struggled to find next to Zion Williamson. Trading an All-Star for another All-Star does not happen often, but this could benefit both sides.
The Pels would love to add a marquee name, but convincing one to come to the Big Easy is difficult. Could they deal Brandon Ingram for the best player available this offseason?
1. Pels get superstar guard
Donovan Mitchell and Ingram face a similar situation this summer. Both are extension-eligible with one guaranteed season left on their contracts. Mitchell has a player option for the 2025-26 campaign, but he is likely to decline it in favor of signing a massive long-term contract. The Cavaliers and Pelicans will both be forced to shop their star players if they refuse to sign an extension.
Mitchell is a five-time All-Star and one of the best scorers in the league. He could get the Pelicans offense rolling and give New Orleans a more consistent co-star next to Zion. The Cavaliers may be open to this if Ingram would be interested in signing long-term with their young and talented roster.
The future contracts of both players would determine the haul here. New Orleans is not giving up Ingram and multiple first-round picks for one season of Mitchell. The Cavs have significantly less interest if Ingram is unwilling to stay in Cleveland. Still, this could be a blockbuster deal that shakes up the league.
The New Orleans Pelicans plan on being aggressive this summer. Could they land Donovan Mitchell or another All-Star? Does it cost them Brandon Ingram or C.J. McCollum? Can David Griffin build a contender in the Big Easy? Stay tuned to find out.