NBA Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans Changing Their Mind On Brandon Ingram 6 Dec 8, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

'They Had Seemingly the Most Lopsided Transaction of the Summer' – New Orleans Pelicans Receive the Lowest Offseason Grade From Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 10:20 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have been fairly busy this offseason with the additions of Kevon Looney , Jordan Poole, and Saddiq Bey while re-signing Herb Jones to a three-year extension.

Despite this, the New Orleans Pelicans received the lowest offseason grade from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, primarily due to the puzzling move they made during this summer’s NBA Draft to acquire Derik Queen.

“The Hawks-Pelicans draft-night swap was seemingly the most lopsided transaction of the summer. It could pay off for New Orleans, but it was far too risky to be sensible — particularly in the context of the Pelicans’ other moves,” Pelton wrote.

Jan 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

“New Orleans is betting on Jordan Poole being a playoff-caliber starting point guard and has overloaded its depth chart at center by drafting Derik Queen and signing veteran Kevon Looney…and the Pelicans traded away their safety net now that they no longer control their 2026 first-round pick,” he concluded.

New Orleans Pelicans president has big plans for Zion Williamson, per report

An anonymous New Orleans Pelicans front office executive recently reiterated that Zion Williamson remains the cornerstone of their rebuild. According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, team president Joe Dumars shares the same sentiment.

Nov 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on from the bench against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“Joe is holding Zion accountable, but in a way that empowers him,” a source told Robinson. “Zion’s responding well. This is the best he’s been mentally his entire career.”

“He understands what’s expected,” the source continued. “And with Dumars there, the message is clear: the franchise is building around you, but you have to meet the moment.”