Pelicans Offseason Preview (The Athletic)

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But here’s the thing: if the Pelicans really wanted to blow up their core around Zion/Ingram, they can do it somewhat easily. Which is why, Will, it’s so interesting to hear you say that “at least one of Adams or Bledsoe” is expected to be on the move. That could actually change this outlook substantially. It’s funny: I thought Bledsoe had a much worse season than Adams. He was a disaster for the Pelicans given his price point, in my opinion. Legitimately, I’ve been wondering if there is a chance the team could waive and stretch him, given that he has a low non-guaranteed portion of his contract in 2022-23. If they went that route, they’d open up about $14 million in additional cap space, and he would cost the team about $4.4 million on their cap sheet over the next five years. They shouldn’t just stretch him for no reason. But if they were able to get into the mix for an extremely high-level free agent, I wonder if it would make some sense.

Adams, I thought, was pretty good at his end of the defensive scheme that Stan Van Gundy wanted to run. But the problem is, if I was moving one of Adams or Bledsoe, I think it would be Adams because his deal is for the extra year and I really do not like the long-term fit of he and Zion. They need to find a center who can protect the rim and space the floor a bit. Adams has no chance to do the latter. There are real choices to be made on that front by the Pelicans this summer. For instance, if the team really wanted to move Adams, I would bet the Hornets might have some real interest in taking him into their cap space given their hole at the center position.

Let’s just go down this pathway, shall we? Say the Pelicans find a home for Adams into a team’s cap space, and then stretch Bledsoe. That opens up approximately $30 million in cap space for New Orleans. Basically, they could get up to around $45 million-plus in cap space if they find a real player in free agency willing to come to New Orleans. They absolutely should not make those calls until they know that they can get the guys they’re looking for in free agency. But the Pelicans should be genuine players at the max level, offering just about anyone who fits with their core. Even if they wanted to re-sign Ball at something like a four-year, $80 million contract, the team could still have around $25 million in space in this scenario.

Who are some of the free agents I’d target in New Orleans’ position? I’d certainly look into Spencer Dinwiddie as an option. His ball-screen creativity would be terrific with this core. I’d at least make calls to Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley, too, although I’m skeptical the latter will be leaving Utah and that the former will want to go to a potential non-playoff team.

Lauri Markkanen also is intriguing as a restricted free agent given his shooting ability, although I’m skeptical of a defensive frontcourt of Zion, Ingram and Markkanen. The better option, in that vein, might be another Bull in Daniel Theis. Theis is more of a theoretical shooter than a real one, but he at least takes 3s on top of being a strong defensive center who could likely be had as a legitimate starting option in the vicinity of $10 million per year. Given the option of paying Theis $10 million or Adams $17 million, I’d probably choose Theis. Tim Hardaway Jr. will likely be expensive, but he’s the kind of shooter who would space the floor for Williamson. The same can be said for Evan Fournier. A smart, lower-cost (but not much lower) option could be Doug McDermott, who is coming off of a career season and has settled in as a strong floor-spacer.

Another low-cost option I’d look at if I was New Orleans: Zach Collins. Portland has to make a relatively large qualifying offer to retain his restricted free agency rights, and I’m skeptical they’ll do so. The Athletic’s Jason Quick reported the Blazers will not tender a qualifying offer at $7 million, making Collins an unrestricted free agent. Should Collins hit unrestricted free agency, he has a real shot to be a valuable player for the Pelicans due to his size on the interior at 7-foot and his potential to shoot it. He just needs to stay healthy. I’d be willing to give him something in the vein of a three-year, $25 million deal with the third year as a team option to find out if he can do it, largely because I think it’s harder to find these 7-foot floor spacers who can be legitimate rim protectors next to Zion than you’d think. I would also be willing to give Alex Caruso a similar-sized deal, given how effective he’s proven he can be as a connecting role player who defends at a high level — but I’d only do that if the team decides to let Ball walk in free agency.

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I think you absolutely have to ship Bledsoe out (but do not stretch him). He was brought in for veteran leadership and publicly admitted he wasn't even trying. Maybe Willie Green can get him on board, but I wouldn't bet on it.

As for picks, I really want to trade back to 16 and have one of Kispert/Duarte still be on the board. Not sure how realistic that is, but dumping Bledsoe, drafting one of those 2, while picking up either 18 or a future 1st is probably about as good as draft night can go if there isn't a blockbuster trade.

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I really don't see the point in using an asset to move off of Bledsoe, unless it's part of a bigger deal where we're bringing in a better player. Moving from 10 to 16, just to get off of Bledsoe accomplishes what exactly? Frees up a bit of cap space? Who are we signing with that space?

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just to get off of Bledsoe accomplishes what exactly?

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