Tensions are high in New Orleans as fans are fed up with the Pelicans\u2019 never-ending lack of success.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, pressure is on newly appointed President Joe Dumars<\/a> to acquire talent to build around star Zion Williamson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where Are The Pelicans At Right Now?<\/p>\n The Pelicans have promising pieces like sharpshooter \u201cTrigga\u201d Trey Murphy<\/a> and defensive anchor Herb Jones<\/a>. However, there are obvious holes within the current roster.<\/p>\n Dejounte Murray\u2019s<\/a> devastating Achilles injury leaves the Pelicans without a starting point guard as he will be out for the first couple of months of next season. Even then, many players don\u2019t return to their former selves after an Achilles tear, leaving Murray\u2019s career in jeopardy.<\/p>\n As for their current options, veteran CJ McCollum<\/a> does not thrive as the main playmaker, and while fan favorite Jose Alvarado<\/a> is a fine player, he isn\u2019t a starting point guard.<\/p>\n Three-point shooting is another major area of concern for the Pelicans. This season, they made the fourth-fewest<\/a> number of threes with 986. For reference, the Boston Celtics led the league with\u00a01,457.<\/p>\n They do have solid center depth, though. Second-year center Yves Missi<\/a> flashed excellence last season, and Kelly Olynyk<\/a> is an experienced veteran who can provide value as a backup option.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, with offseason decisions looming, Joe Dumars<\/a> and company have an opportunity to shore up some of these deficiencies through free agency and the upcoming NBA Draft.<\/p>\n Here are some free agents who can help the Pelicans in their quest to return to the playoffs.<\/p>\n After a season in which he shot 42%<\/a> from three-point range for the Milwaukee Bucks, Trent Jr. will be looking to cash in during free agency.<\/p>\n In his nine-year career, Trent Jr. has proven to be a reliable perimeter scorer who provides average defense. And at just 26 years old, he is just entering his prime.<\/p>\n Trent Jr. also doesn\u2019t need the ball in his hands to be effective. This, combined with his shooting ability, will make him a highly sought-after player in free agency.<\/p>\n If signed, he can immediately come in and stretch the floor effectively. With Zion drawing heavy defensive attention, signing a knockdown shooter in Trent Jr. would help alleviate the Pelicans\u2019 lack of shooting.<\/p>\n You can never have too much shooting in today\u2019s NBA, and Trent Jr. can provide exactly that.<\/p>\n While it may be a long shot, one can dream.<\/p>\n After helping the Minnesota Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals two years in a row, Reid is likely to decline his player option<\/a> worth $15 million for the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n The LSU product is coming off a career season, averaging career highs across the board. Reid\u2019s ability to space the floor while playing exceptional interior defense makes him one of the most versatile big men in the league. Furthermore, his superb handle at 6-foot-9 only adds to his unique skill set.<\/p>\n Reid\u2019s fit next to Zion would work wonders. For years, Zion has played alongside bigs who can\u2019t stretch the floor, often clogging the paint and limiting his ability to attack the rim.<\/p>\n Reid would instantly change this dynamic, allowing Zion to have the space he needs to succeed.<\/p>\n The Timberwolves will undoubtedly do everything in their power to retain Reid, and the 25-year-old has expressed a desire to stay in Minnesota. But if they can\u2019t succeed in doing so, the Pelicans should throw their hat into the ring for his services.<\/p>\n The Pelicans are hard-pressed for cap space, so a sign-and-trade would be the most likely path to acquiring him.<\/p>\n There have been talks about the Pelicans shaking things up<\/a> this offseason, so why not take a swing at a proven local product?<\/p>\n Jerome made himself some money this past season.<\/p>\n The University of Virginia product got his shot to prove that he belongs in the NBA, and he didn\u2019t disappoint. The sixth-year guard had a career season, averaging<\/a> 12.5 points (52% FG, 44% 3PT, 87% FT), and 3.4 assists per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/p>\n