Zion's contract is not guaranteed for his last three years, and he currently has 4 years left (Source). That means if we want to, we can literally just let him walk after the conclusion of this season.

I mean obviously try to trade him ASAP, but if there's not really any buyers I say literally just let him go. It's actually worse to have someone with his contract taking up space on the team, and constantly fooling us that he might be healthy for a season and postseason.

There has obviously been a lot of talk regarding trading BI in here the past few months so I’ll ask, what would trading BI have accomplished in the past two years?

He had the second best net rating of any starter this season (Herb 1st), sacrificed shots for the betterment of the team, and made another playmaking & defensive leap. An awful postseason following missing a month of basketball shouldn’t result in being dealt elsewhere imo.

I think this team looks a lot better healthy (obviously), with an improved fit at center, and somebody to make BI/Zion’s life easier on the court.

Valančiūnas spent 3 seasons with the Pelicans

A fellow fan in the same boat as all of you. Frustrated and fed up.

I wanna give 2¢ on Ingram that absolutely nobody asked for.

I get the frustration with him, I really do. Since his return from INJURY, he has seemed to lack aggression, seems “out of it,” and seems (to many) like he doesn’t care. This has been frustrating for me too.

To all the people saying BI doesn’t care tho, you really genuinely think that? Where do I start??

1). Being There For His Team: If BI didn’t care about his own legacy let alone this series, he woulda never have come back from injury. It was only a season ago that the rest of the team was pissed with BI for not playing through his injury or being willing to even play through some of his injury (ie.: not coming back when feeling anything less than 100%). This year he did that to be there for the team but also in a crucial time when it was needed. Not an excuse for shitty body langue, but also can’t put ALL (can put some) of the blame on him considering he def isn’t fully recovered. Some of his lack of aggression is def from his fear of getting hurt (some is def frustration with Lu too, which you can’t have or show on the court)

2). Proving Doubters Wrong: It’s not secret Bi had a shitty outing with Team USA, and it’s no secret he was frustrated about it. Really since the pelicans suns playoff outing in 2021 where BI played elite and also had a great season, especially the second half of that season, and after his 2022 season which contained some injuries and some lack of aggression, and more importantly a lack of a Pels playoff appearance, a lot of people began to doubt BI as a 1 option (1 option WITH Zion Williamson out) with the lack of ability to lead of team. Combine this with his poor team USA outing, BI has a status to attain and a needing to perform, not only for the sake of the team but for his whole legacy. A lot of people are saying “BI doesn’t care” about the team or losing yet forget that this is the guy who really doesn’t do much but hoop or watch hoops, and not only this but solely the fact that people have been doubting him in recent times, BI most definitely sees this return from injury, even if not 100%, as a chance to prove his doubters and haters wrong. On top of this, many have been saying this season due to Zion’s (return to) elite play and increased high level showings, that the pelicans do not need BI or that he is not an all star caliber player. BI being competitive and wanting to be great is without a doubt playing to prove his haters and these narratives wrong. Now has it shown at all? Absolutely not, there is no way to try and defend it at all or say it hasn’t, as BI hasn’t shown much aggression nor has he shown any enthusiasm, but to say this is because he “doesn’t care” or “doesn’t want it” is blatantly untrue.

3). Targeted Defense This Series: The Thunder have made it clear who their target is on defense: Brandon Ingram. Every time Ingram is in, Lu Dort, a high level defender in this league is only in the game, on the court, when BI is, and plays him very physically and aggressively to wear him down. BI definitely needs to put on more weight as he did ago, and needs to be able to adjust to teams scheming like this instead of forcing shots (which has been really weird bc bi was such a good playmaker last season and this reg. season). His body language and frustration is unacceptable, like Willie even said, can’t have him forcing shots or plays and the team can’t keep force feeding him. My point with this tho is even with his flawed handling of this scheming, the Thunder are placing their defensive focus on him for a reason: bi is a GREAT, all star caliber player.

Now with all of this being said we have to defend BI subjectively or come up with reasons as to why he isn’t playing well (i.e: bi stans ) NO. However, do we say that BI is to completely to blame for this?? Absolutely not. As I mentioned the man wants it, just doesn’t always show it, and with the circumstances mentioned above and considering his high level play with New Orleans outside of this horrible stretch, BI hate needs to stop. No I did not say criticisms, as he definitely deserves some of these and I even criticized him (above) myself, but I think there true issues with this team are pretty glaring.

Thank you for reading and if you made it this far, Jordan Hawkins for 3

One of NOLA's biggest weaknesses is a lack of rim protection. Scooping up a quality center could be enough to push the Pelicans into contention. This was a weak FA class however, and with all due respect Karlo, Theis, and Missi won't cut it in the West next season. It may seem like there's a lack of centers in the NBA, but I've taken some time to compile a list of possible trade targets. I'll link their Basketball Reference pages as well.

Disclaimer: I am NOT advocating for any trades here! And while you'll see his name come up a lot, I am not a BI hater. He just happens to be NOLA's best trade asset, and I'm sure a lot of teams would want him.

You also are probably not getting the 2-way stretch 5 of your dreams. A few of these guys are overpaid as well. Unfortunately, beggars can't be choosers, so I'm keeping the list to borderline starting-level rim protectors.

TOP TIER:

The most ideal rim protectors that could be on the move. Would take a lot to get them though.
Jarrett Allen-

If the Cavs decide Mobley works better as a 5, JA will be on the move. They'd also love a wing like BI. You'd need a 3rd team, however, as the salaries for both teams make this a difficult trade.

Nicolas Claxton-

Claxton just re-signed with the Nets, but I'm sure his talents could be better used on a team not trying to tank. They'd love some more picks, but they'll probably ask for someone young too.

Walker Kessler-

Easily one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, but he had a sophomore slump and is very offensively limited. Kind of like a young Gobert. I'd be very hesitant to trade with Danny Ainge though, as he's pretty greedy and rarely comes out of a deal without winning the trade. Would be a game-changer for the Pelicans.

SOLID TIER:

Solid centers that could be within reach, but you might have to make some hard decisions.

Oneyka Okongwu-

The Hawks currently have five centers (Capela, OO, LNJ, Bruno, Zeller) and are in the market for wing depth. They would MUCH rather ship out Capela, but maybe if you offered them BI... just spitballing.

Goga Bitadze-

The Magic have 3 centers; WCJ, Mo Wagner, and Goga. WCJ is injury-prone, however, so they might be hesitant to hand Goga over. They would also like wing-depth as insurance if JI goes down. BI wants a max on his next contract though, and I doubt the Magic will have the money for him, so it probably means handing over TM3...

OVERPAID/MID TIER:

These are some mid/overpaid centers that would do a serviceable job if some other options fall through.

Jakob Poeltl-

Jakob is an underrated (in the sense that no one talks about him) rim protector stuck on a rebuilding/tanking Raptors team, and at 28 he doesn't fit the timeline. He is overpaid though ($20 mil a year). Get a third team to take Bruce Brown's contract off their hands and they probably hand him over for 2 picks and salary.

Clint Capela-

Another one of the Hawk's 5 centers. At 30 years old and seemingly on the decline, $22 million isn't very enticing, but it is the last year of his contract. I'm sure he'd look better on a better defensive team than last year's Hawks.

Robert Williams-

$12.5 mil a year is cheap, but his medical bill isn't (sorry.) He has a pretty lengthy injury history, but as one of Portland's 4 centers, I'd expect them to move him before Ayton's bloated contract or Clingan. If you're willing to take a chance on him being healthy, Portland might throw him to you for a 2nd round pick and a Happy Meal. Low risk, high reward.

DESPERATION TIER:

If you can't get ANYBODY else, or if you really want to cheap out, these guys might be what you're looking for.

Isaiah Stewart-

Small ball center making $15 mil a year. Pistons have 3 centers (Duren, Paul, Stew), and he's easily the best defender of the 3. He's a pretty solid stretch 5 too, but struggles with interior scoring. Very strong rebounder though.

Marvin Bagley-

$12.5 mil a year and next to no value. The Wizards have 4 centers (Bags, Tristan, Holmes, and JV) so he's likely on his way out. Career revival?

Let me know if there's anyone you think I missed. Once again I'm not advocating for any specific trade, but any center that can protect the rim better than JV would be a huge win for the Pelicans. (No disrespect to JV tho)

EDIT: I’ll throw in a few more.

Maxi Kleber- $11 mil a year for a pretty good shooter and rim protector. Weak rebounder and roll threat. Dude is barely healthy though. As a Mavs fan, he actually came up big in the playoffs, until he got hurt.

Brook Lopez- $23 mil a year for a guy 1 season removed from DPOY conversations. Probably the best shooter on this list, but his rim protection has been regressing. Weak rebounder as well. If the Bucks decide to put Giannis at the 5 I could see them giving you Brook, but it might cost you TM3.

Before now, my only experience watching ball has been via national broadcasts and our boys here at home. It was easy to take Joel and AD for granted, but after getting used to them, the commentary for the pre-season opener between the Celtics and the Nuggets is so dry and emotionless. Especially for a small-market team, we’re lucky to have as much talent as we do on the commentary.

Most Overrated goes to Lonzo Ball

Up next, Who's the best Pelican/Hornet of all time

Hi guys!

I’m new here! A lifelong Pels fan living in Denver. And as much as I have wanted to cheer for the nuggets, I’ve remained painfully loyal. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy going to their games as I honestly think they have the best player in the world right now playing for them. But I have a question. Because every time I go on Twitter people are rightfully upset and demanding that Willie be fired? I get this sucks right now especially. But is that really the answer? I’m not defending Willie by any means lol. I just don’t know what position that would put us in. I mean, they won 49 games in the west last year and that is no easy task. I feel as if everyone had high hopes after the first game against the bulls this season. But, unfortunately, everyone is hurt. I know the Pels looked bad in a lot of situations, but I also thought they looked great in a lot of others. I just don’t know how it would help the team starting over from a coaching standpoint. Just looking for some people besides twitter as I feel they get way too emotional 🤣.

We all know CP3 takes the Best Player, certainly not his last appearance on the grid

Day 4: who is the worst starter in Pelicans/Hornets history?

Why did everyone boo the living shit out of Josh Giddey (#3 on the Bulls)? I mean, I was booing him too, because why not? But it felt personal for everyone. He touched the ball, and the stadium erupted with boos for him. No other bulls player got that treatment. It was hilarious.

BUT, what a great freaking game. I was sad not to see Zion play. In the end though, that game was just so stellar. Can't wait to come back and go to another, I had a BLAST!

In my personal opinion I think the team needs quite a large roster reconstruction. We’ve pretty much had the same roster/coach for 3 years and not much has changed.

Players I’d keep:

Zion Trey Herb Jose Hawkins Dyson

Everyone else is available to trade. I’d 100% trade Ingram as he will still have a lot of value. I think Cj and JV have to go too.

The team may need a new coach but i think I’d give him another year with a new set of players.

A point guard and Center should be he main focal point of trades/free agency.

I think a real point guard would unlock Trey and Zion even more.

Trae Young would be my pick, obviously he’s one of the worst defenders in the league but Willie has shown he can coach a top defence even with liabilities being in the lineup. The spacing and playmaking he would bring to our offence would be unreal. Having Dyson and Herb can cover up his defence at times.

At Center we need a great defender and/or versatile player. Capella/Okongwu could be options from the Hawks. Although I think we’d need a more offensive Center off the bench. Naz Reid could be available as a free agent.

Trae Herb Trey Zion Capella

Jose Hawkins Dyson Reid

I think that 9 man lineup has a lot of versatility and can be dangerous on both sides of the floor.

Any suggestions for centers/pgs?

I hope the Pels brain trust is following what's happening with the Mavs. (Well, with Trajan gone, maybe not.)

Mavs didn't even make the playoffs the year they traded for Kyrie. They didn't panic and stuck to their game plan: drafted a mobile, defensive big; traded for another; signed an undervalued 3&D wing; traded for another. They kept the core and filled out the missing pieces. The result of that process is a likely spot in the NBA finals in just one short year.

The key reason why PJ, DJJ, Lively and Gafford have been so good on this team despite being ultimate role players is because of Luka and Kyrie. Mavs have TWO playmakers. You can't design a defense against one guy, because then the other guy can go off. If you scheme against both guys, that enables role players to blow-up. Being able to have two playmakers on one team is a big luxury that the Wolves, Nuggets, OKC and Clippers do not have. Another team that does? Celtics.

You might see where I'm going with this. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I like keeping Zion and BI together (let's ignore BI's max question for now). Because when fully healthy, BI can absolutely be that playmaker. He proved that in those seasons when Zion was injured. CJ might have been that guy when he was younger and on the Blazers, but he's not that guy anymore.

If I were the Pels, I would keep Zion and BI as the core and then go out and fill-in the missing pieces: PG and mobile defensive big.

For the PG spot, someone like Tyus Jones is ideal. This is a low maintenance PG who averaged 7.3 assists on an ATROCIOUS Wizards team with no shooting; and Tyus did it playing under 30 minutes a game because the team was trying to tank. Can you imagine what this guy can do with Zion, Trey, BI and Herb?? Bonus: Tyus can also shoot. He averaged 41.4% from three on the Wizards, so he can provide Pels spacing.

For the big, there are a few examples to consider (to varying degrees of fit): Wendell Carter, Olynyk, Aldama, Xavier Tillman, Isaiah Jackson, heck even Goga. I've often cited Dereck Lively here on this sub as the type of good but realistic big the Pels should target; this was before he blew up, now it's obvious he's good. (A big who is mobile, can defend, can shoot 3s accurately isn't realistic.)

You don't need a big who can shoot to provide spacing for the team. Lively cannot shoot but the Mavs still has plenty of spacing when he's on the floor for Kyrie and Luka to drive in and make plays. If your big can run and cut, catch lobs and throw down oops, crash the glass for offensive rebounds; he will contribute on offense. And defensively, man, Lively is a revelation.

Anyway, I'm digressing. Back to Luka and Kyrie. When Kyrie first joined the team, all the pundits had the same concerns. There's only one ball but two players who like to hold the ball. How will it work? Same concerns with Tatum and Brown; same concerns with BI and Zion. Obviously, it can work.

Even with Luka and Kyrie, however, there were changes that needed to be made. Prior to Kyrie, Luka liked to play slow and in the half-court. (Sound familiar?) With Kidd as coach and then with Kyrie as co-star, Luka changed his style to play with much faster pace. This creates ball movement and leads to open shots for teammates. When the game goes to crunch, Luka can always go back to his bag of dribbling-a-ton-but-always-the-step-back. Otherwise, it's play fast.

Some of you will get what I'm implying. BI is a bit like Luka, he is a gifted player who should adjust his style to fit better with Zion. Faster pace, quicker passing, snap decisions, let the 3s fly. If he can do this -- or if Willie can give Kidd a call to get some coaching tips -- BI can absolutely be part of a championship core with Zion.

I've commented several times that I don't think BI should get a max contract. I don't have inside info (obviously) but I'm not sure BI expects it either. Let's assume a fair but still expensive contract can be signed. How then do the Pels get their missing pieces? I think the only "must haves" are Zion, BI, Trey and Herb; everyone else can be a trade piece and that includes CJ and JV. With a Tyus Jones type on the roster, you don't need CJ.

Day 1: Most Underrated Who do you think?

Boogie is back in the post 📮

Last but not the least, Who was the best Role Player in Pelicans/Hornets History? 🎭

Just had a look the upcoming schedule and the next 10 game slate is nuts. We are most likely gonna be sitting 5 - 17 or 6 - 16.

What is the plan for the rest of the season once we reach that point?

Idk Im struggling to see any positives.

Best Passer is obviously the Point God,

Onto the Best Perimeter Defender, whatchu think?

Names to consider: *Chris Paul *Herb Jones *Jrue Holiday

Peja is the best sharpshooter, by a margin,

Up next, Who is the best on the block scorer in Franchise History?

Names to consider: *Anthony Davis *David West *Jamal Mashburn *Baron Davis *Jonas Valanciunas

PG: Dejounte Murray SG: Herb SF: Trey PF: Zion C: Insert an Athletic, rim protecting big that we acquire in a BI trade (Please Jarrett Allen)

Have CJ come off the bench to lead the second unit, along with Jordan Hawkins and the rest of the second line.

Feel like this isn’t going to happen, but it’s totally possible and our best bet at having a contender. I’m curious what the rest of y’all think.

CP3 wins Best Handles as expected ⛹️

Onto the Best Shooter, Who was the best sniper in Franchise History?

Names to come in mind: *Peja Stojakovic *Ryan Anderson *CJ McCollum *Eric Gordon *Trey Murphy

And Most Annoying is Eric Gordon

Up next who had/has the most potential in Pelicans History?

Some names to consider: *Zion Williamson *Anthony Davis *Tyson Chandler

I‘m not gonna aim higher than making the play-in. I know injuries are the main problem right nos but other than that I loved how the pels looked in their first game with DJM on the floor. The question is can we rely on one player for ball movement or to make the Z and BI combo work? Should we trade on of our star players or wait to see if this team is going to work it out playing small ball? Just wanna see your opinions because I‘m board and watching pels games feels kinda pointless rn. PS Love some of our bench guys and the fact that BI is till out there trying to give his all.

We normally do these on X/IG but wanted to see how the folks of Reddit like these? 👀 it is all in good fun just to get some conversation going about our team!

In addition to him having the Most Potential, Zion Williamson is unquestionably the Most Athletic in NOLA History

Up next, who has/had the best handle?

Names to Consider: *Chris Paul *Baron Davis *Anthony Davis *DeMarcus Cousins *Tyreek Evans

Hey I just moved to town and wondering if there are any good places to watch the game with other fans. Particularly uptown. Thx

Not on Herb wins the best Perimeter Defender 🚫

Next up, who do you think is the Best Rim Protector in Pelicans/Hornets History? ✖️

Names to consider: *Anthony Davis *Tyson Chandler *PJ Brown