The New Orleans Pelicans are among the biggest disasters in the NBA, and it is not all the organization’s fault. But the organization doesn’t get a total pass, as it is the one that has either drafted or signed injury-prone players to huge contracts. Now it seems the Pels are finally looking to rebuild the right way, though they aren’t aiming for a complete rebuild.
Pelicans “Big Believers” In Former Second Round Pick, Looking To Open Roster Spot ( Via Trade) To Promote Him
New Orleans is on pace to compile its second-worst season in franchise history and the second time to finish the season with fewer than 20 victories. The Pelicans sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 12-37 record. They are tied with Sacramento, Indiana, Washington, and Brooklyn for the worst record in the league.
While the Pelicans are resistant to trading Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, or Trey Murphy III, several other players are reportedly drawing significant interest from around the league. It appears the Pels plan to move forward with those three, along with Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, as the faces of the franchise. At least for the time being.
According to Will Guerrerro of The Athletic, the Pelicans brass, led by the president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, are big believers in Bryce McGowens, who is on a two-way deal, and would like to open up a roster spot for him.
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Players Who Could Be Traded
“The Pelicans are big believers in 23-year-old guard Bryce McGowens, who has played well after signing a two-way contract with the Pelicans before the season,” Guilleroy wrote. “The Pels would like to open up a roster spot in the hopes of signing McGowens to a standard contract that’ll keep him around beyond this season.”
Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi, Dejounte Murray, Jordan Hawkins, and Jordan Poole are the players who could be on the move. The belief is that the Pelicans would most likely trade either Murray or Poole, if not both.
“One rumor making the rounds involves sending Grizzlies star Ja Morant to New Orleans in a deal centered around veteran guards Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray,” Guillory said. “But a league source told The Athletic the rumor was “completely false” and the likelihood of Morant landing in New Orleans is extremely low because the team believes in Fears as its point guard of the future.”
“Yet while this particular deal seems unlikely, there is a growing sentiment that the Pelicans would prefer to move one — if not both — of the contracts attached to Poole and Murray,” Guillory continued.
However, it is Alvarado and Missi who have drawn the most attention. Alavarado has drawn interest from New York, Houston, and San Antonio. Meanwhile, the Knicks, Chicago, Indiana, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta, Boston, and Thavento have shown interest in Missi. According to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype, the Pelicans want a first-round pick in return for Missi.
Why The Pelicans Are Enamored Of Bryce McGowens
Despite being on a minor league deal, McGowens has spent the entire season with New Orleans and is having a career season. In 29 games, including 11 starts, the 6-6 wing averages 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds with shooting splits of 47.7/43.6/76.1. He has scored in double-figures seven times, topping the 20-point mark three times.
Before this season, McGowens had struggled mightily in the NBA, though he has demonstrated he is an NBA-type player through his work in the G League. Maybe all he needed was someone to believe in him, as the Pelicans do.
Selected with the No 40 pick in 2022 by Minnesota after one season at Nebraska, the Pelicans are his third team. The Timberwolves traded McGowens to Charlotte on draft day for Josh Minott and a 2023 2nd round draft pick (Jaylen Clark). After two poor seasons, the Hornets waived him. He signed with Portland in July 2024, totaling 32 minutes in 13 contests.
McGowens is at his best when attacking closeouts or in transition. He is capable of creating his own late-clock situations. However, he struggles to create separation off the dribble, is not a great playmaker, and is streaky from deep.
McGowens has struggled on the defensive end for most of his career. McGowens can guard all three backcourt positions, but he tends to have lapses. In addition, he has not been great in team defense situations. However, he has defended the 3-point line well this season. limiting opponents to 35.4% from deep.
McGowens owns career averages of 5.3 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 43.1% from the field and 34.9% from the three-point line. He averages less than one triple a game in 147 career appearances.