The New Orleans Pelicans made a surprising move, trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the No. 40 pick.
The deal gives New Orleans a lead ball handler to fill the void while Dejounte Murray recovers from his Achilles tear, but the decision to part ways with Kelly Olynyk leaves a glaring hole at the backup center spot. With the NBA draft today and free agency fast approaching, it is obvious the Pelicans need to make adding size their top priority.
New Orleans has already been a team that has struggled with rebounding and rim defense in the past few years. By parting ways with Olynyk, the Pelicans are losing a floor spacing threat, a good rim defender and a solid playmaker coming off their bench.
Adding size over the next couple of weeks is a must. When looking at the direction the NBA is heading with teams like the Thunder, Rockets and Cavs thriving with double big man lineups, the fact that New Orleans only has two centers under contract right now is a cause for concern.
Now this isn't me saying the Jordan Poole trade was bad or giving up Olynyk is a no-go, but I'm just saying it makes the draft and free agency more critical than ever. So let's look at the big man option the Pels will have in free agency and the draft.
The Draft options
In the range of No. 7, there are two standout options: Maryland center Derik Queen and Duke center Khaman Maluach.
Let's start with Queen. The Maryland freshman had a great year with averages of 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and elite playmaking from the post. Queen is a mix of power, touch, and vision that draws comparisons to Alperen Şengün. While his defense remains a huge question mark, his offensive ability can't be overlooked. He isn't a seven-footer and is listed at 6'9", but he plays huge for his size.
Over to the Duke, big fella Khaman Maluach. The 18-year-old has elite size at 7'2" with a 7'6" wingspan and was the backbone for one of college basketball’s best defenses last season. He’s raw but oozes upside, flashing switchability, rim protection, and a developing offensive game. With no true 7-footer on the roster, the Pelicans could bring in an absolute giant by drafting Maluach. While he isn't a finished product, his defensive instincts can't be ignored.
Out of these two, I feel New Orleans should lean toward Maluach. As at his floor, he will still be a giant rim protector, and with the Pelicans now having Jordan Poole at guard, they need someone who can help clean up his mistakes on the back end.
The Free Agency options
I definitely think New Orleans should address this issue through the draft, but these three guys stand out as free agent targets if they don't.
The first is Brook Lopez. He would most likely be out of the Pelicans' price range, but he could come in and provide leadership and guidance to this young group. Lopez is still one of the league's best shot blockers, averaging 1.9 blocks per game last season. He is also a significant threat from deep shooting, 37% from three in 2024-25, and would space the floor for Zion Williamson. While he is unrealistic, he truly is a dream fit.
Second on the list is Luke Kornet. The 29-year-old brings elite screening, rim protection, and playoff experience, all things that can help solidify the Pels as contenders in the West. He averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks on 66.8% shooting last season, but his value goes far beyond the box score. Kornet could add leadership, toughness, and much-needed locker room energy, as you never see him without a smile on his face.
Lastly, there is the home run play, Charles Bassey. The 24-year-old center is a rebounding and rim-protecting machine, ranking in the 98th percentile in both offensive rebounding and block percentage. He is tough, strong, and full of energy, all things that would hold value for the Pelicans.