The Oklahoma City Thunder winning their first title is an exciting moment for all small-market teams, as they were built through drafting well and developing talent rather than signing big-name free agents. This moment isn't all excitement for small-market teams; it also brings pressure, especially for those in the Western Conference, as this could likely be the start of a dynasty.
The Thunder were the NBA's youngest team and had just won an NBA championship. Everything about them spells out dynasty. They had the league's MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, two other young stars in Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, and a stacked supporting cast.
The only thing that could stop them is running out of money, but with their 12 first-round picks from now to 2031 and their General Manager being Sam Presti, who, when it comes to drafting, has an unreal track record, leaves no doubt they'll be able to extend their window.
This should make the Pelicans' offense rethink their plan going forward. Can they build something to compete with not only the Thunder but also the Houston Rockets, who just added Kevin Durant, while keeping their squad intact? But with their core's injury history and lack of results, it might be time to pull the plug on them and start over.
The draft could be a huge first step in a new beginning for New Orleans
New Orleans has two picks within the top 25 of Wednesday's draft, with picks 7 and 23 in hand, and after years of treading water with an injury-prone group, it might finally be time to pivot. Since Joe Dumars arrived in New Orleans, change was expected, yet the roster remains intact. But after the Thunder clinched the NBA title and the same day Kevin Durant was traded to a division rival, it's not crazy to think New Orleans' plans of contending in the West could change.
The only player I could see being mostly untouchable in trade talks is Trey Murphy. He is young, on a great contract at 4 years $112 Million, fits the modern NBA with his length and shooting, and he’s coming off a season averaging 21.2 points per game.
Outside of him, the rest of the core could be available, not because they aren’t good, but because they may be more valuable as trade assets than building blocks. Someone like Herb Jones could provide a team like the Miami Heat with an elite wing defender, netting the Pelicans a return of multiple first-round picks.
With the Western Conference having a powerhouse like the Thunder and teams like the Rockets only trying to get better, running it back isn't enough if you're the Pelicans. They are going to have a tough choice now, whether that be bottoming out or making a splash. Something's got to shake in the Big Easy.