The New Orleans Pelicans made some interesting decisions this offseason, but landing one star could help elevate their roster.
The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to break out of a funk next season. The 2020s have not panned out for them as they had hoped when they first landed Zion Williamson.
Last season, after yet another year where the Pelicans missed the playoffs, the franchise knew they had to make big changes. The first step was firing David Griffin as VP and hiring Joe Dumars.
Dumars didn’t waste much time, as the Pelicans traded CJ McCollum for Jordan Poole right before the NBA Draft.
And in a controversial move, the Pelicans traded up to land Derik Queen, even giving up an unprotected draft pick in the process. But one of these big moves is bound to pay off, right?
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesJordan Poole could return to previous heights next season
It’s hard to believe, given how his career has panned out, but just a few years ago, Jordan Poole was one of the most exciting prospects in the NBA.
He broke out during the 2021-22 NBA season, helping the Golden State Warriors win the NBA championship.
But a physical incident with Draymond Green derailed his chemistry with the team, which eventually led to him being traded in 2023 to the Washington Wizards.
On the Wizards, Poole’s worst habits looked like they would derail his career. But he eventually bounced back and showed signs of the championship-caliber player we saw on the Warriors.
With this trade, Poole gets a fresh start. What will entice the Pelicans is that Poole’s form could help elevate Zion Williamson back to All-Star status, as Poole has thrived next to All-Star forwards like Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins in the past.
New Orleans Pelicans can’t afford another bad season
The New Orleans Pelicans are under a lot of pressure heading into the new season. While things look promising for them, there is a lot on the line for them.
Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears has shown signs of promise. But making the move for Derik Queen has put the Pelicans in this position.
As part of the trade to move up, the Pelicans gave the Atlanta Hawks their 2026 unprotected first-round pick. If they have another season where they end up in the lottery, the trade will look really bad.
Many slammed the move, claiming the Pelicans overpaid and made a bad deal. And another season in the lottery would only further confirm that notion.