After a disappointing first-round playoff sweep, the New Orleans Pelicans have a major offseason ahead of them this summer. And according to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans will likely be aggressive in pursuing a roster shakeup.
“The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to be aggressive in adding talent this offseason. The Pelicans have several draft picks to offer in trades, as well as players they may consider moving.
New Orleans owns all of their own first-round picks moving forward. They also have extra picks coming from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025 (top-4 protected) and 2027 (unprotected), as well as swap rights with the Bucks in 2026. The Pelicans also own an unprotected Los Angeles Lakers pick in 2025, after deferring that pick from 2024 to 2025.”
During the 2023-24 season, the Pelicans ended with a 49-33 record and secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. This was their best record since the 2008-09 season when they were still called the Hornets.
2024 NBA Playoff Team Expected to Be Aggressive This Offseason
Decisions the New Orleans Pelicans Must Make in the Offseason
The biggest decision the team must take action on is what to do with forward Brandon Ingram. Ingram has spent the last five seasons of his career with the Pelicans. However, it appears likely the 26-year-old will play elsewhere next season. Ingram is eligible for a max contract extension this offseason, but the Pelicans are reportedly unwilling to give it to him. According to Clark, the Pelicans are prepared to trade Ingram if the two sides cannot agree to a deal.
“According to Clark, if the Pelicans can’t work out an extension with Ingram, they ‘likely will trade him.’ That aligns with previous reporting that Ingram is the “most likely” Pelican to be on the move this summer. Clark points to the Cavaliers and Hawks as teams that might be interested in the 26-year-old.”
Furthermore, the Pelicans will likely move on from impending free agent center Jonas Valanciunas, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“There’s a sense Jonas Valanciunas won’t return as a Pelican this offseason in free agency, I’m told. Valanciunas essentially split center minutes with Larry Nance Jr. this season and was benched often to close games. When Zion is healthy and playing, Valanciunas occupies the paint and clogs driving lanes for Zion. While he’s still a double-double threat, he’s not an ideal fit for this roster, and his near double-double production will likely be more valued by other teams on the unrestricted free-agent market.”
The Pelicans may also sign young forward Trey Murphy to a contract extension this summer. Murphy enjoyed the best season in his three-year NBA career so far. In 57 games, he averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 44.3% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.
The Last Word on the New Orleans Pelicans’ Offseason Outlook
The Pelicans have made it clear they plan to continue building around star Zion Williamson, who is coming off the healthiest season of his career. Turning 24 this summer, Williamson likely still has a few years left before officially entering his prime. Regardless, it is important for New Orleans to build a steady core around him.
