Pelicans Offseason Primer: Free Agents, Draft Capital, Cap Space, Trades

New Orleans faces tough decisions on Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and more this offseason

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:08am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in navy, green, and orange hues, depicting a basketball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, conveying the intricate decisions facing the Pelicans organization.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the complex challenges facing the Pelicans as they navigate a crucial offseason with limited resources.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans had another disappointing season, and the focus now shifts to the offseason. The team has limited draft capital, cap space, and trade assets to work with as they look to improve the roster around Zion Williamson. Key decisions loom on Williamson's extension, as well as the futures of Dejounte Murray and other players.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled to build a consistent winner around Zion Williamson, and this offseason represents a critical juncture for the franchise. With limited resources, the team must make shrewd moves to upgrade the roster and convince Williamson to commit long-term. Failure to do so could lead to Williamson's departure and prolong the Pelicans' rebuild.

The details

The Pelicans don't have a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, owing their selection to other teams. Their only pick is the 58th overall selection. Looking ahead, the Pelicans have the more favorable of their own and Milwaukee's 2027 first-round pick, but limited additional draft capital. The team is currently $4.8 million under the luxury tax, giving them some flexibility in free agency. Key free agents include DeAndre Jordan, while the Pelicans have team options on Kevon Looney and Karlo Matkovic. Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Dejounte Murray are all eligible for contract extensions this offseason, presenting the Pelicans with important decisions. The team's biggest needs are at center and on the wing, and they could look to add shooting and point guard depth in free agency.

  • The Pelicans don't have a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
  • The Pelicans have the more favorable of their own and Milwaukee's 2027 first-round pick.
  • The Pelicans have team options on Kevon Looney ($8 million) and Karlo Matkovic ($2.3 million) for next season.
  • Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Dejounte Murray are eligible for contract extensions this offseason.

The players

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star power forward, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Saddiq Bey

A key player for the Pelicans who has outperformed his current contract and is also eligible for an extension.

Dejounte Murray

The Pelicans' starting point guard, who is due $32.7 million next season and has a player option for 2027-28, making his future with the team uncertain.

DeAndre Jordan

A free agent center the Pelicans may look to re-sign or replace this offseason.

Kevon Looney

A center the Pelicans have a $8 million team option on for next season.

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What’s next

The Pelicans will need to make a decision on whether to offer Zion Williamson a contract extension this offseason, which could have major implications for the franchise's future. They will also need to determine if they want to keep or trade Dejounte Murray, and how to best utilize their limited cap space and draft capital to improve the roster.

The takeaway

The Pelicans face a critical offseason as they try to build a consistent winner around Zion Williamson. With limited resources, the team must make shrewd moves to upgrade the roster and convince Williamson to commit long-term. Failure to do so could lead to Williamson's departure and prolong the Pelicans' rebuild.