If the 2025 NBA Draft were to begin today, the New Orleans Pelicans would have the fourth overall pick. With that being said, N.O. has 48.1 percent chance of keeping their top-four pick and a 12.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick in the impending NBA Draft Lottery. However, for simplicities sake, let’s assume that they hold steady at No. 4.
For multiple seasons, it’s been clear that the Pelicans are a talented bunch but one with very noticeable flaws.
Firstly, they’ve had issues just staying healthy. In fact, Zion Williamson’s lack of durability is one reason his future hanging in the balance. Secondly, they’ve had too many weak links at the defensive end. Here too, Williamson has left a lot to be desired but CJ McCollum even more so. Last but not least, they’ve struggled beyond the arc. Again, Williamson could stand to improve in this area, but he’s far from alone.
2025 NBA Offseason: Pelicans Master Plan
Draft
There are times or seasons when the Pelicans are better in one of those aforementioned areas than given credit for. Nevertheless, these are the pillars of their overarching problem. With the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they need to select a player that can knock at least one of those balusters down.
Enter Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, who averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in 2024-25.
A 6-foot-9 forward, he was one of the most fascinating prospects to scout in 2024-25.
In one school of thought, he was comparable to Philadelphia 76ers swingman Paul George. His detractors compared him to Houston Rockets forward-center Jabari Smith Jr., especially after a jagged start to his freshman season. The most ambitious of these comparisons saw him being linked to Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.
In truth, he’s less fluid than George, less efficient than Durant and less of a playmaker than either. Yet, he’s more mobile than Smith and a true combo forward rather than a big man. Comparison is the thief of joy anyhow though.
With that in mind, Bailey’s quite fun to watch when he’s being appreciated for who he is.
Offensively, he’s a gifted jump shooter and athlete who can score from all three-levels. Though he doesn’t rack up the assists, the ball doesn’t stick in his hands. Defensively, he’s an event-creator who flies in for blocks and steals. On isos, he’s done well when asked to guard similar-sized players.
Frankly, Scarlets Knight teammate Dylan Harper is arguably a better fit if considering McCollum and Dejounte Murray’s future. However, Harper is projected to be off the board by the time New Orleans is on the clock.
Free Agency
New Orleans is projected to have $21.7 million in practical cap space, per Spotrac. With that type of bread, the Pelicans can do more than fly under the radar. Keep in mind that they also have the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Due to their team needs, 3-and-D forwards could be the primary focus. If so, Taurean Prince (Milwaukee Bucks) and Jake LaRavia (Sacramento Kings) should be shortlisted. Both Prince and LaRavia made over 42 percent of their 3s in the 2024-25 regular season.
If 2023 No. 14 pick Jordan Hawkins continues to be erratic, they’ll also need someone who can step into his place. However, said player has to be willing to accept being third string. Options could include Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers), Alec Burks (Miami Heat) and Eric Gordon (Philadelphia 76ers), among others.
That being said, the team’s star free agent targets should be Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers) and Chris Paul (San Antonio Spurs).
Turner is the top center available this offseason and the pivot is arguably the Pelicans’ weakest position. To be fair, 2024 No. 21 pick Yves Missi did perform admirably. But Turner’s experience, shooting prowess and shot-blocking give him the heads-up. With the Pacers hesitant to sign him to an extension, the Pelicans could swoop in.
A one-year deal may be all Paul is looking for as he’s seriously considering retirement. New Orleans might even already be on his mind, as he spent his first six seasons with the franchise. If so, he’s help the Pelicans stay afloat during Murray’s recovery. Notably, both have experience in dual-guard lineups.
Among their own free agents, Keion Brooks Jr. is someone they should seriously consider re-signing. In his last 10 games, the 24-year-old undrafted forward averaged 12.9 points per game on 48.0 percent shooting from 3.
Trade
Drafting Bailey isn’t the only reason to trade Williamson, or even the main one.
At this point, the 24-year-old is simply too unreliable. Injuries aside, they don’t know if he’ll remain self-motivated enough to keep up with his conditioning. He has such a high floor and ceiling that it’s been brushed over more than the Sistine Chapel but he hasn’t actually developed much since being drafted. This is another example of his questionable discipline.
The Pelicans shouldn’t just trade him for anyone of course. However, if they can land a star-caliber player, it’s worth exploring.
One such option is trading him to the Washington Wizards in a deal headlined by combo guard Jordan Poole. Chicago Bulls combo guard Coby White is another player they could target. Both have ingratiated themselves with their respective fan bases and front offices. Nonetheless, both players are with franchises that no longer want to be mediocre. They could see acquiring Williamson, an All-Star when healthy, as a pathway towards dramatic improvement.
In the Wizards’ case, the chance that they draft Harper at No. 2 and the potential of Bub Carrington could make Poole particularly expendable.
© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The post 2025 NBA Offseason: Pelicans Master Plan appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.