After waiving Antonio Reeves, the Pelicans have two open roster spots. While losing Reeves is a tough blow, this presents an excellent opportunity for the Pelicans to add more experience. The Pelicans could be the team to steal Amir Coffey, who is one of this free agency class’s most underrated players.
Seeing Reeves waived as a 24-year-old, coming off a stellar rookie year, definitely stung the fan base. However, the addition of Coffey could be a way for Joe Dumars to make amends with the fans after another questionable move. While Reeves showed promise, Coffey brings proven spacing and playoff experience that the Pelicans desperately need now.
With six years of NBA experience, Coffey is a career 38% three-point shooter and is automatic from the corner. Last season for the LA Clippers, he ranked in the 92nd percentile among forwards in corner three-point percentage. On top of this, he is 6’8” and could bring great size on the defensive end.
Somehow, he has fallen under the radar of most NBA teams, despite improving every season. Before free agency started, I expected Coffey to be a guy every team was looking to bring in. He posted averages of 9.7 points, shooting 40.9% from deep in 72 games during the 2024-25 season.
At 28 years old, he brings elite shooting and great positional versatility. With his market being non-existent, he is the type of player the Pelicans could get an absolute steal on for the minimum. Not only is he a longer three-and-D wing, but he also has four years of playoff experience.
This presents a great opportunity for Joe Dumars
Prior to free agency, I viewed Coffey as the type of player who could see contract offers of $5 to $10 million a season, but I couldn't have been more wrong. While this is tough for Coffey coming off a career season, it creates the perfect opportunity for the Pelicans to secure incredible value by signing him to a minimum deal.
Outside of Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, the Pelicans' wing rotation remains uncertain based on projections. Jordan Hawkins is someone the fan base and front office are hoping will have a third-season resurgence, but lingering back injuries could impact his trajectory. The same goes for Saddiq Bey, who sat out all of last year with an ACL tear. Despite being a career 35% three-point shooter, it's still unknown how he'll bounce back after such a brutal injury.
The addition of Coffey would give the Pelicans a wing rotation with playoff experience, consistency, and stability. Signing Coffey would be a low-risk, high-reward move.