Since the signing of CJ McCollum in the middle of the 22-23 season, the New Orleans Pelicans have opted for continuity. The prolonged absences of Zion Williamson and the physical irregularity of Brandon Ingram suggested a higher ceiling when they were healthy. But this attitude of continuity seems to have come to an end. The Pelicans fell with little opposition to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the West. Today in HoopsHypeMike Scotto and Will Guillory, writer of the New Orleans franchise in The Athleticdetail the substantial changes that the squad will experience in this offseason.
The first and non-negotiable is that Zion will serve as a cornerstone on which to build. This means that Ingram is no longer untouchable and that, of those who have a guaranteed contract for next year, he is the most likely to be traded. The franchise wants to retain McCollum because of his ability to step aside on the court while still being effective and because of his weight as a leader in the locker room.
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Another of the pillars of recent years who will surely not wear the uniform next season is Jonas Valanciunas. The center was transferred from Memphis in exchange for Steven Adams, signing a two-year, $30 million contract upon arrival. The Lithuanian has had a disappointing season, his playing style clashes with Zion and Willie Green tends to exclude him at the end of the game. This summer he will be an unrestricted free agent. In a less relevant step, Naji Marshall also aims to leave the franchise in free agency.
Murray and Allen, market objectives
In the transfers section, movement is also coming. Among the most vaunted are Jarret Allen and Dejounte Murray. The Cavaliers center, who may appear to have a similar profile to Valanciunas and without shooting range, could mitigate this with his mobility and his reading of the game without the ball. Allen has a timing that Jonas lacks. As for Murray, they are simply monitoring his situation in Atlanta to get an outside player with All-Star projection to cover McCollum’s possible decline. Both would fit Ingram’s exit move.
Trey Murphy III could also have some prominence in the coming months. It is rumored that the forward could sign a contract in excess of $100 million. In that range he could move between four and five years of extension.
(Cover photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
2024-05-10 19:00:00
#Significant #coming #Orleans
