Pelicans' massive free agency risk sets the team up for imminent disaster

The New Orleans Pelicans are not satisfied with a first-round playoff exit. Lead executive David Griffin vowed to upgrade their roster (subscription required), and the front office should be focused on improving the fits around Zion Williamson if they want to make a deep playoff run.

The Pelicans plan to let Jonas Valanciunas walk in free agency. He has been on the trade block since the 2023 offseason, but New Orleans could not find the right move. They want a stronger rim protector next to Zion in the frontcourt, and JV figures to have suitors in free agency.

The Pelicans are taking a risk. They think it will end with Jarrett Allen or another All-Star-caliber center anchoring their defense, but letting Valanciunas walk could quickly turn into a disaster scenario in the Big Easy.

Pelicans are over the salary cap and several teams are set at center

New Orleans has $154.5 million committed in salaries to 12 players for the 2024-25 season. They are already over the salary cap and only have the mid-level exception to use in free agency. The Pelicans never pay the tax and want to re-sign Naji Marshall. They are $24.1 million under the first apron but need three players. Using Marshall’s Bird rights and getting someone for the full MLE puts New Orleans over their spending limit.

Fans expect the team to upgrade via trade. The Brandon Ingram rumors are heating up, but several franchises have their answer at the five. Cleveland does not want to trade Allen. New Orleans has no shot at superstar big men and even starting-caliber options are difficult to part with. The Mavs paid a first-round pick for Daniel Gafford at the deadline.

If Griffin and the Pels find the trade market too steep, New Orleans may face a doomsday scenario.

Pelicans may have to sign a minimum starting center

New Orleans does not have a true center on their current roster as Cody Zeller joins Jonas Valanciunas in free agency. The Pelicans could use Larry Nance Jr., but he started just one game since joining the franchise in February 2022. He is best in a 20 to 25-minute-per-contest reserve role. The 6’8 big man will struggle against the biggest and best centers in the league. New Orleans needs a true option.

Valanciunas ranks as the second-best free agent option, and the franchise will be making a significant downgrade if they are forced to sign a minimum big man to start. The Pelicans had to go through the Play-In Tournament in 2024, and the West is loaded with talent. New Orleans cannot afford a downgrade and could face disaster without a quality big man in the middle of their starting five.

The New Orleans Pelicans appear set to let Jonas Valanciunas walk in free agency. Hopefully, they have a plan in place to upgrade at the five. If not, this could immediately become a disaster and keep the franchise from the playoffs in 2025. David Griffin must nail this offseason, and this is one key piece. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.