Three Offseason Options the Pelicans Should Pursue

Quentin Grimes , Shooting Guard, Philadelphia 76ers

Quentin Grimes is coming off a career season after splitting time between the Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers. Averaging a career high in points (14.6), assists (3.0), rebounds (4.3), and steals (1) per game, Grimes showed this season what he can contribute when given the opportunity to play.

With questions about CJ McCollum‘s future with the Pelicans moving forward, Grimes could be a younger guard option that can either contribute as a starter or a key bench piece. Grimes scored his two most recent career highs in points once he landed in Philadelphia, and the Pelicans should look to capitalize on his end-of-season momentum going into next year.

Veteran big, veteran defense

Clint Capela, Center, Atlanta Hawks

The Pelicans got Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks via trade, now they should lure away Hawks center Clint Capela — a veteran big whose defense would be a massive improvement over what the Pelicans have gotten in the last few seasons. Averaging a career 1.4 blocks and 10.5 total rebounds, he can be a defensive anchor. Capela can also provide solid offense (career average of 12 points per game) to the team that needs veteran guidance and a tough-guy mentality. He can also help Yves Missi‘s growth going forward.

A security blanket at power forward

John Collins, Power Forward, Utah Jazz

Swirling in potential trade rumors, John Collins, who has a player option for the 2025-26 season, is an intriguing option for New Orleans — regardless if he comes via free agency or trade. Averaging 19.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 8.2 rebounds in the 40 games he played this past season, he can provide consistent offense for a team in desperate need of more scoring. With the question marks surrounding Zion’s future, Collins can be an option that would provide long-term security at the power forward position. 

The Pelicans made a trade with the Indiana Pacers, gaining another first-round pick and the draft rights to Mojave King in the upcoming draft, which gives them another trade piece to use in an offer to the Utah Jazz. They could package the 23rd pick from Indiana with CJ McCollum, to offload his salary, and open up options at the two-guard spot for players like Trey Murphy III to move into the starting role.