2. New Orleans Pelicans
This offseason has been a peculiar one for the New Orleans Pelicans. David Griffin cleared some cap space, giving the impression that the organization was ready to spend to upgrade the roster.
The Pelicans had the space to go after Kyle Lowry. If he spurned them, they could at least match any offer sheet that Lonzo Ball signed. None of that came to fruition, as they opted not to match the offer sheet that Ball signed with the Chicago Bulls, agreeing to a sign-and-trade deal instead.
In a corresponding move, they sent a future first-round draft pick to the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade deal for Devonte’ Graham. That isn’t what many people expected to happen, but maybe Griffin has another trick up his sleeve.
He has to upgrade this roster around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Rumors are already popping up that Williamson’s family does not want him in New Orleans. The Pelicans winning games would help quiet those rumors, and taking a swing on a young point guard such as De’Aaron Fox could help them do that.
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Fox would give the Pelicans an intriguing Big 3 along with Ingram and Williamson. Fox and Ingram turn 24 this year, while Williamson turned 21. That is a young core that might do some damage growing together in the Big Easy.
