With every offseason, the NBA landscape undergoes significant changes. The league that players and fans grew accustomed to the previous season transforms as key players are traded and sign with new teams in free agency. Every team feels the impact of these shifts, especially the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans have already made a major move this offseason, acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks in a blockbuster trade. As the Western Conference becomes increasingly competitive, this trade addresses some of the team’s existing weaknesses.
However, the Pelicans are facing financial challenges. They are well beyond the second tax threshold, meaning the new CBA will severely limit their ability to make further moves and subject them to harsher penalties.
To manage this, the Pelicans need to cut payroll, which might involve trading certain players. Here are three Pelicans players who could become trade candidates this offseason.
Brandon Ingram
An Ingram trade has been long rumored and could be incoming
Earlier this offseason, Brandon Ingram was rumored to be a potential trade candidate for the Pelicans. These rumors persist, as the Pelicans remain open to trading him.
Ingram is entering the final year of his maximum extension, earning $36 million for the upcoming season. After this, he will become a free agent, making it a crucial time for the Pelicans to trade him and gain assets in return.
Last season, the 27-year-old Ingram played 64 games for New Orleans, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 49.2 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range. While solid, these numbers may not justify his salary.
According to William Guillory of The Athletic, there is a small chance the Pelicans could reach an extension agreement with Ingram. However, given their financial situation and roster structure, it seems unlikely they will offer the four-year, $208 million extension he desires.
With Murray on the team, Ingram’s role will likely be reduced. It is probable that Ingram will be traded to another contender either this offseason or before the Trade Deadline next season. The Pelicans could receive a significant return for him while also freeing up much-needed salary cap space.
Trey Murphy
Murphy is a player who could become expendable
For a team as top-heavy as the Pelicans, having a solid bench is essential. Trey Murphy III fits this role well, but he could also be considered expendable in a trade.
At 24 years old, Murphy played in 57 games last season, averaging 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, with shooting percentages of 44.3% from the field and 38% from three-point range. These numbers are significantly higher than his career averages of 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, suggesting he might be reaching his potential or has already peaked. It’s up to the Pelicans to determine which is the case.
Murphy, like most of the team, is young and controllable, making it likely the Pelicans will keep him. However, he is in the final year of his contract, earning $5.1 million on a player option. After next season, he becomes a restricted free agent, and the Pelicans might consider trading him if their financial situation worsens. There’s a possibility Murphy could be traded this offseason or before the Trade Deadline next season.
Zion Williamson
Williamson is a long shot but paths exist to him being traded
The likelihood of Zion Williamson being traded this year is low. However, that hasn’t prevented his name from frequently appearing in trade rumors last season and this offseason. While the chances of the Pelicans trading their star player aren’t zero, it’s not expected.
When healthy, Williamson is a powerhouse on the court. Last season, he averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and five assists per game, shooting 57 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. These stats, achieved over 70 games, may be slightly below his career averages but still highlight his skill and value to the Pelicans.
However, it’s crucial to consider his health. Williamson has had a history of injuries, including missing the Pelicans’ first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, which led to New Orleans being swept.
Williamson is also the highest-paid player on a team dealing with salary cap issues, earning $36.7 million next year and increasing amounts each year until he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2029.
These factors suggest that Williamson is unlikely to be traded soon. Still, there are teams with the resources to trade for him, and if the Pelicans’ financial situation worsens, they might consider it.
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