Pelicans Roster Overhaul Looms After Dismal Season

New Orleans must part ways with several veterans to build a more competitive roster

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in muted team colors, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of Pelicans basketball players on the court.The Pelicans' offseason roster overhaul will require a strategic, multi-faceted approach to reshape the team's identity and competitive outlook.New Orleans Today

After another disappointing season that saw the New Orleans Pelicans win fewer than 30 games, the team faces difficult roster decisions this offseason. Several veteran players, including Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole, and potentially Zion Williamson, are expected to be moved or released as the franchise looks to reshape its roster for the future.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled to build a winning team around star players like Zion Williamson, and major changes are needed to get the franchise back on track. Parting ways with underperforming or expensive veterans could free up cap space and provide opportunities for younger players as the team looks to get back to the playoffs.

The details

The Pelicans are expected to part ways with veteran center Kevon Looney, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal last offseason but spent most of the year as a healthy scratch. The team will likely decline the second-year team option on his contract, making him a free agent. Guard Jordan Poole, who the Pelicans acquired in a trade, is also a candidate to be moved or bought out, as he struggled to earn playing time and his $34 million salary for next season could be difficult to trade. The biggest decision facing the Pelicans is the future of star forward Zion Williamson, who has yet to play in a playoff game in his seven-year career. While the team may try to sign Williamson to a contract extension, the more likely scenario is that he is traded in the offseason to provide a fresh start for both the player and the franchise.

  • The Pelicans' disastrous 2025-26 season ended with fewer than 30 wins.
  • Kevon Looney signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans last offseason.
  • Jordan Poole is owed $34 million for the 2026-27 season.
  • Zion Williamson is extension eligible this offseason.

The players

Kevon Looney

A veteran center who signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans last offseason but spent most of the year as a healthy scratch.

Jordan Poole

A guard the Pelicans acquired in a trade, who struggled to earn playing time and is owed $34 million for the 2026-27 season.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star forward who has yet to play in a playoff game in his seven-year career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Pelicans have to make difficult decisions over the summer. This will include sweeping changes to the roster.”

— Cem Yolbulan, Author

What’s next

The Pelicans will have to decide whether to sign Zion Williamson to a contract extension or trade him this offseason, as they look to reshape the roster and get the franchise back on track.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' dismal 2025-26 season has set the stage for major roster changes, as the team looks to move on from underperforming and expensive veterans in order to build a more competitive team around their core players. The future of star forward Zion Williamson will be a key decision for the franchise this offseason.