The New Orleans Pelicans have entered the 2025 offseason with an aggressive, win-now mentality under the leadership of basketball operations chief Joe Dumars. After trading CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Washington Wizards, the front office has retooled the roster with young, high-upside players like Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and first-rounders Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy.
However, one area remains uncertain: veteran guard leadership. With the team currently $3 million over the salary cap, Dumars must navigate limited flexibility to bring in an experienced, stabilizing presence in the backcourt.
Free agency presents several intriguing possibilities. Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon, and Russell Westbrook are all available, but none will come cheap. The Pelicans can’t sign any of them outright with cap space, but they can use their Mid-Level Exception (MLE), valued around $12–13 million, to pursue one of these veterans.
While Brogdon or Paul could entertain the MLE depending on fit and opportunity, Westbrook is reportedly eyeing a bigger payday and role. The Bi-Annual Exception (BAE) or veteran minimum contracts (~$3 million) are fallback options, but unlikely to land players of their caliber.
Another route is the trade market. New Orleans has been linked to Jonathan Kuminga as a potential sign-and-trade target, though he’s not a guard. His acquisition would hard-cap the team and require sending out matching salary.
A multi-team deal involving Kuminga could also create an opportunity to land a veteran guard, depending on the structure. With limited assets and no cap room, Dumars must use his remaining flexibility wisely, possibly involving mid-tier salaries or picks in a creative transaction.
Leadership remains a major concern. With McCollum and Olynyk gone, the locker room lacks veteran direction. Jordan Poole is expected to start at point guard, but his game leans more toward scoring than facilitating. Jeremiah Fears, the 7th overall pick, has immense upside but will need time to adjust to the NBA. The Pelicans need a proven voice in the backcourt — someone to run the offense, settle the team in clutch moments, and guide the young core both on and off the floor.
That need is even more urgent with Dejounte Murray sidelined due to injury. Acquired in a prior deal, Murray was expected to be the steady hand next to Poole. Without him, the Pelicans are thin on leadership and perimeter defense.
Meanwhile, head coach Willie Green enters the season on shaky ground. He was nearly fired last year before owner Gayle Benson intervened. With Dumars now in full control, the leash is short, and James Borrego is seen by many as a ready replacement if the team falters early.
Despite the constraints, Dumars and the Pelicans are clearly pushing to compete now. With Zion Williamson in the best shape of his career, Herb Jones continuing to evolve, and a deep roster of rising talent, New Orleans has the pieces.
But they still need that final veteran guard to bring it all together. The West is getting stronger, and the margin for error is shrinking. One smart move could make the difference — or define the future of this new Pelicans era.
