The New Orleans Pelicans will enter the new NBA season looking to put their struggles from last season behind them as they try to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Of course, the Pelicans finished with the second-worst record in the West last season after almost every player on their roster missed time due to injuries.
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Now with almost their entire rotation healthy, outside of Dejounte Murray who is recovering from a torn Achilles last season, New Orleans is looking to make a run at a playoff spot this season behind Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25), and forward Zion Williamson (1)
The Pelicans also made some key additions to their roster this offseason as they selected Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the first round of the 2025 draft and signed Kevon Looney in free agency.
They also acquired Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey from the Washington Wizards in the C.J. McCollum trade.
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With these moves, the Pelicans are looking to bounce back from last season and compete for a playoff spot in the West.
Pelicans Could Target Walker Kessler to Bolster Frontcourt
While New Orleans will try to battle for a playoff spot this season, they could also look to upgrade their roster ahead of the trade deadline and one area they could focus on is their frontcourt.
Of course, the Pelicans added both Queen and Looney this offseason and they also have Yves Missi who had a great rookie campaign last season, but they could search the market for another big man.
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Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33)Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
One player they could target is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler who continues to be in trade rumors with the Jazz stuck in the rebuild.
Mock Trade Lands Pelicans Walker Kessler From Jazz
In a potential trade, the Pelicans could send Jordan Hawkins and draft capital to the Jazz for Kessler.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24)Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
With the Jazz’s high asking price for their young center, it is likely that the Pelicans would have to include multiple first-round picks in this deal or offer Utah another one of their young players.
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Either way, adding Kessler to their roster would be a massive boost to New Orleans’ frontcourt as the young big man would provide them with an elite rim protector who is also a reliable inside scorer and rebounder.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, the 24-year-old center averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 66.3% from the field.
For Kessler, he would likely make an immediate impact for the Pelicans due to his defensive abilities and size around the rim, giving New Orleans a reliable starting big man.
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Despite this, the Pelicans could also elect to hold off on this trade and stand by their current frontcourt rotation, especially with Queen and Missi still having room to develop.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.