Discover which four New Orleans Pelicans face potential moves this offseason, as the front office reshapes the team.
The New Orleans Pelicans have some decisions to make this offseason as Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver rework this roster into their own image.
They seem to be committed to building around this current core of players like Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy, but there are some who feel like they could be moved. Here are four Pelicans who might not return next season, ranked from most to least likely:
C Kevon Looney
Looney is an obvious choice. He has an $8 million team option on the board and while he was a great veteran to have around the team and the young guys, he played in just 21 games. He looked good when he was on the court, there just wasn't much of a fit to be found in New Orleans. He will find work elsewhere, but it would be a shock to see the Pelicans pick that option up.
G Jordan Poole
Similar to Looney, it just became obvious early on that this marriage wouldn't work. Unlike Looney, Poole is still under contract for $34 million next season.
The good news there for the Pelicans is that Poole is on an expiring deal. Teams will be much more willing to trade for him, given that his contract comes off the books next season. Still, they would need to find a team that wants to take on that money to add Poole.
The guard averaged 13.4, 2.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 37.2/33.3/86.0 shooting splits. He had big moments where the shooting is still clearly there, which could be enough for some team. New Orleans is going to be shopping him this offseason, though.
PG Dejounte Murray
Murray is in a weird spot. There were rumors that he tried to force his way out back at the trade deadline, but no move came. It would make sense that that happened, but that has also since been refuted by some. Either way, he's an older guard making a lot of money. It would make sense for the Pelicans to at least think about trading him.
When he came back from his torn Achilles, though, Murray fit into this lineup like a glove. That's when the team was at their best. They looked good enough to where it would be a little exciting if they decide to bring him back next season.
F Herbert Jones
Jones is far less likely than anyone else on this list, but he does feel like the most likely casualty of the Pelicans players who have been around for a long time. This is a front office that is not afraid to make a move around draft time. If they want to get back into the first round, Jones is the most likely player who would help them get back.
The 27-year-old is the type of player that every contender wants on their team. He is a defensive game changer who is really valuable when the three-ball is falling, though he has been inconsistent in that area.
New Orleans had a +6.5 net rating with him on the court. Trading him could end up being a horrible decision, which is why it might not happen in the first place. Teams will be calling, though.