The New Orleans Pelicans 2023-2024 season is officially over. Everything came full circle on Monday, April 30, when the team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. The team made significant strides compared to previous years, such as having star player Zion Williamson for a more extended portion of the season. New Orleans was finally able to advance past the play-in tournament and into the postseason as the Western Conference’s eighth seed. However, based on how the remainder of the 2023-2024 campaign played out, there’s still more work for the Pelicans. In our New Orleans Pelicans 2024 offseason preview, we will discuss team needs, impending free agents, and future roster configuration.
New Orleans finds itself at a critical juncture as they head into the offseason, grappling with the disappointment of falling short in the playoffs despite high hopes for a healthy roster. The tantalizing prospect of a fully fit squad was glimpsed in their play-in-game loss to the Lakers. Still, injuries to key players, notably Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, disrupted their postseason aspirations. Despite amassing an impressive 49 wins, tied for the second-most in franchise history, the Pelicans were relegated to the eighth seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the conference standings.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Pelicans’ path forward begins with the NBA Draft. Armed with their pick and the Lakers’ selection, currently projected at number 17, New Orleans faces a pivotal decision regarding their draft assets. With a looming deadline of June 1 to defer, it appears increasingly probable that the Pelicans will opt to delay their use of the Lakers’ pick until the 2025 draft. This strategic move is buoyed by the anticipation of a more robust draft class next year and uncertainty surrounding the future trajectory of the Lakers’ roster, particularly with regards to the aging LeBron James.
Regarding their first-round pick, slated at number 21, the Pelicans find themselves in a favorable position courtesy of a pick swap stemming from the Jrue Holliday trade back in 2020. This swap allows them to elevate their draft position, providing an opportunity to add promising talent to their roster.
The offseason also brings a flurry of decisions regarding free agents, adding another layer of complexity to New Orleans’ offseason agenda. Key figures such as Naji Marshall, who showcased his potential with impactful moments in pivotal games, and Jonas Valančiūnas, a cornerstone as the team’s starting center, loom large in the Pelicans’ free agency considerations. Additionally, the team must weigh the future of Jose Alvarado, whose team option presents a cost-effective means of retaining his services.
As the Pelicans navigate the offseason landscape, they are tasked with striking a delicate balance between bolstering their roster for immediate contention and positioning themselves for sustained success in the long term. With pivotal draft selections and crucial free agency decisions on the horizon, the offseason promises to be a pivotal juncture in shaping the franchise’s trajectory.
As negotiations loom over contract extensions and roster adjustments, the Pelicans find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their franchise trajectory. The interplay between key players, particularly the trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, poses challenges and opportunities for the team’s future. Despite flashes of brilliance from this formidable trio, injuries and intermittent absences have prevented a comprehensive assessment of their collective impact, leaving uncertainty swirling around their long-term cohesion.
Considering his transcendent talent tempered by recurring injury concerns, Williamson emerges as a focal point of speculation. While his on-court potential is undeniable, the Pelicans must grapple with the unpredictable nature of his availability, which could significantly influence the team’s strategic planning moving forward. Amidst discussions of potential contract extensions and roster reconfigurations, Williamson’s status remains a critical variable that could shape the team’s trajectory in the coming seasons.
In addition to Williamson, attention turns to other key contributors, including CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, both integral components of the Pelicans’ core lineup. McCollum’s contract situation, with two years remaining, and Ingram’s impending eligibility for a lucrative extension inject further complexity into the team’s financial landscape. Balancing the need to retain core talent with strategic roster adjustments will be paramount as the Pelicans chart their course for the future.
As the offseason unfolds, decisions regarding contract extensions, salary cap management, and potential roster acquisitions will shape the Pelicans’ outlook for the upcoming seasons. With a delicate balance between financial prudence and competitive ambition, the Pelicans face a series of pivotal choices that will define their trajectory in the fiercely competitive landscape of the NBA.
If the Pelicans defer their pick, they could gain some financial flexibility, potentially staying $13 to $14 million below the luxury tax threshold. However, the looming question revolves around the future of Jonas Valančiūnas, a cornerstone of the team’s frontcourt. Valančiūnas, a key contributor as the team’s center, presents a dilemma for the Pelicans’ offseason plans. While he remains one of the top centers available, it’s still being determined whether he warrants a hefty contract, given the evolving landscape of center salaries in the league.
Considering the Pelicans’ defensive struggles, ranking 23rd in field goal percentage allowed at the rim, the quest for a shot-blocking center becomes paramount. Whether through free agency or the draft, finding a viable replacement for Valančiūnas is a crucial priority for the team’s offseason agenda. Brandon Ingram’s future adds another layer of complexity to the equation.
Despite Ingram’s impressive statistical resume, averaging 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists over the past five seasons, his recent postseason performance raises doubts about his long-term viability with the team. While injuries have plagued him in the past, his inconsistency in crucial playoff moments casts uncertainty on his role moving forward.
The decision regarding Ingram’s contract extension looms large, with significant financial implications for the Pelicans’ salary cap. If the team opts not to extend him, trading him becomes a likely scenario to avoid potential locker room discord. However, Ingram’s talent and potential command attention in the league’s marketplace suggests he will inevitably secure a lucrative deal with the Pelicans or elsewhere. As the offseason unfolds and the extension rules change, the Pelicans face a pivotal juncture in their roster management decisions.
In contract extensions, Trey Murphy emerges as a significant consideration alongside Ingram. With impressive stats, averaging 14.7 points and shooting 38% from three, Murphy’s role alongside Herb Jones showcases promising potential. However, determining his value presents a problem for the Pelicans. Is a price tag exceeding $20 million justified for a sixth man? Moreover, strategic roster adjustments come into play. Could reallocating resources from Ingram lead to acquiring a more traditional point guard, potentially shifting CJ to the shooting guard position? Exploring unconventional lineup configurations, such as deploying Zion at the center position alongside Herb and Trey, adds further complexity to the offseason equation.
Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado’s future looms large. Outperforming his $6.9 million contract with a remarkable plus rating of 17.5 per 100 possessions, Alvarado’s team option and potential extension warrant careful consideration. His option will unlikely be declined, making him a restricted free agent. Additionally, Murphy’s rookie extension remains in limbo, as deals typically extend until October 21, the deadline for signing extensions.
As the offseason unfolds, the Pelicans must navigate multiple variables, including Valančiūnas, Ingram, and Murphy’s fates amidst ongoing trade discussions. The impending frenzy in the NBA landscape, marked by discontented teams like the Lakers, Warriors, and Suns, underscores the urgency for proactive roster adjustments. While not relegated to the sidelines, New Orleans stands poised to capitalize on the opportunities presented by an active offseason. Addressing pressing needs, such as securing a starting center and acquiring a traditional point guard, will be paramount. With six tradeable first-round picks over the next seven years, including their own in the upcoming draft and the Lakers’ pick in 2025, the Pelicans possess valuable assets to facilitate potential roster upgrades.
In summary, the Pelicans face an offseason ripe with potential, armed with valuable assets and draft picks to reshape their roster. While the conclusion of the regular season was disappointing, marked by a pivotal loss on home turf, it’s crucial to acknowledge the progress made from the previous year’s postseason exit. With 49 wins, New Orleans has demonstrated their capacity for success, albeit with areas for improvement. As they chart their course forward, the Pelicans must seize this opportunity to address their shortcomings and lay the groundwork for a more formidable campaign.
