New Orleans Pelicanes 2025 NBA Free Agency for Each Signing

Cannot be a team confusing this offseason of New Orleans Pelikans. After a catastrophic campaign 21-winning 2024-25, most analysts are expected full of the rebuke. Instead, the front office knocked when the consensus said that the CEC, real aggressive trade, overpaying the draft and binding long-term cap for a cap that is not near the subjects of the title. Decision-making feels like a franchise trapped between deadlines, insecure if it will now be built for the future or Chase Loyofs fame now. To sexy every big move and assign free agency grades, starting from the most important organizational shift.

The new orleans of the Pelicaca stood at the critical crossroads of this out-season. They drop the season of 21 wines Health Zion Williamson still insecure And without a clear direction, they had the opportunity to reset. Instead, they chose chaos. But this Offseasa did not have to be confusing. Could have been calculated.

First, they should have addressed the flexibility. CJ McCollum Expired Expired was an opportunity to clean the capacity of the cap for 2026. Year, not tie it up Jordan PooleIneffective scoring and inflated contract. By letting McCollum to walk or overturn it for expiring bids and selections, they could have preserved financial freedom and earned a draft capital.

In the Brave Shakeup, Pelican discarded David Griffin and replaced it Joe Dumars as president of basketball operations. Trii Veaver, earlier with Detroit clips, joined the Director General.

Dumars lost no time to make waves. “Two phones” sounded for your trading aggression, Dumars signaled the win-new way of thinking. But the lack of cohesive direction is already raising concern.

Pelicans Free Rating Agency

Kevon Looney

Veteran center Kevon Looney was signed on a two-yearA $ 16m Agreement. Known for its jump and defensive news, Looney makes leadership and playing experience. But he overlapped with the existing big great queens Ives Missy and Derick. Looney is an independent veterinary existence, but not ideally ideal if the front of the front does not arrive.

Grade: B-

Trey Alexander

Trey Alexander signed a two-way agreement. Savvi Combo Kusteners with a high basketball IK, Aleksandar could become a precious rotary piece, especially in view of the uncertainty in the background.

Rating: B

Jordan Poole Trade: Flash over flexibility?

The Pelicans’ The first main player moves The Veteran CJ McCollum and Kelly Olinik traded in Washington Vizards in exchange for Jordan Poole. On paper, Poole brings young and dynamic scoring – key traits for the team in transition.

But this move was not without flaws. McCollum was on leakage of the contract, which could create CAP flexibility in 2026. Years. Meanwhile, Poole owes $ 29 million a year for the next two seasons – essentially the opposite of financial freedom.

Retention Herb Jones: Defensive pillar

New Orleans Re-sign Herb Jones on three-year, 68 million dollars extensionLocking one of the premier League Defenders. Despite the team’s fighting, Jones remained rarely bright place, anchoring defense and took over the most difficult night tasks. Jones earned NBA The first team of all defensive honors After the season 2023-24 after completing the regular season as one of the four players in the NBA to make at least 100 stolen and 60 blocks.

While the price of marks is huge, holding a two-way player like Jones helps preserve some identity in a quick variable roster.

2025 NBA draft: gambler that could persecute pelicans

Jeremiah fears on NO. 7

Pelicans chose Jeremiah fears with a 7-key selection, smooth shooting with shooting with play upside down. It was a smart choice, synchronizing with team needs and timelines.

Kraljice Derik store

It lies the most highest decision from the out-season here. New Orleans traded by choice number 23 and unprotected 2026. The first round (more favorable than their choice or Milwaukee) to move to no. 13 and choose Maryland Big Man Man Derick Queen.

The Queen is a qualified shooter of low post, but it is hardly a perspective perspective of franchise. Disconnection of potentially high wire keys to move up 10 points as mass overpayment, especially for aim with a primary line of 21 vin and there is no evidence of immediate vicinity.

A team without a timeline

What is the identity of Pelican in 2025-26? Sion Williamson remains the most talented player in the list, but his health is a constant label of the question. Jordan Poole will have free assistance in the amount, but its inefficiency and defense issues could become an obligation.

Behind them is HodgePodge intriguing youth (fears, queens, alexander) and functional veterans (Jones, Looney). It’s not exactly a tanking team, but it’s not near playoffs anywhere.

And that is the basic problem. The front office is won – now moves as it sits on a roster ready for renovation. Trading an unprotected choice for medium perspectives only enhances the risk.

The offset pelicane defies traditional logic. There are promising parts – retaining plants of Jones, making Jeremiah fears – but they are compensated for confusing, expensive moves suggesting an organization that chases short-term growth on long-term cost.

While Sion does not prove that it can remain healthy and the team develops identity, betting of future assets to uncertain current results is unprepared than bold.

Pelican are trying to invent without fully embrace the restoration or stabilization of their core. They took several smart steps (retaining Jones, drafts of fear), but denied them with excessive aggression and poor risk management.

In times where the flexibility of property is all, trading unprotected choices and absorbing bad salary without guaranteed production is a dangerous path. The draft was simple: priority flexibility, accumulate chooses, develop young talent and wait for real stars trade. Instead, I bet the house on a half-house foundation.

Now they stuck again between deadlines, the chasing win with the list and further learning how to walk.